The Los Angeles Lakers went into the 2023 NBA draft with their highest first-round pick (17th) since 2018, and prior to the draft also traded up from the 47th pick into the 40th pick, consummating a deal with the Indiana Pacers several hours before the clock started ticking.
Considering the current context of the Lakers — who are looking to maximize LeBron James’ championship window — no one would have been surprised if they moved either (or both) of the picks for a more win-now player of the kind they were linked to by trade rumors in the days and hours leading up to Thursday’s draft.