The Los Angeles Lakers have just won their last game against the Memphis Grizzlies, 108-103. That the Los Angeles Lakers won against the Memphis Grizzlies is no surprise as everybody expected the Memphis Grizzlies to lose especially without their top player, center Marc Gasol, and reserve forward Vince Carter. Both players did not play due to injuries or a mandated rest. What's surprising is that the Los Angeles Lakers are not supposed to win games. Last night's game may seem like just any ordinary and meaningless game for the Los Angeles Lakers. After all, the Los Angeles Lakers are eliminated from the playoffs. But for Los Angeles Lakers fans, that latest win means a lot to them as that win may have dire consequences on the Los Angeles Lakers future.
The Los Angeles Lakers' latest victory could their chances at securing of the top three picks in this summer's 2017 NBA Draft, according to Fox Sports. If the Los Angeles Lakers don't secure a top three pick in this year's NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers would eventually get that pick.
With the win against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Lakers have 22 wins and 55 losses and are currently tied with the Phoenix Suns for the second-worst record in the NBA. The draft pick was traded by the Los Angeles Lakers to the Phoenix Suns as part of the Steve Nash deal back in 2012. The Phoenix Suns eventually trade away that pick to the Philadelphia 76ers as part of a three-team trade that included the Milwaukee Bucks that sent Brandon Knight to the Phoenix Suns.
The draft pick is top-three protected this year. That means if the Los Angeles Lakers do get to keep that pick, their first round pick for the 2018 NBA Draft will be sent to the Philadelphia 76ers.
This year's NBA Draft is considered one of the deepest in recent memory, with UCLA's Lonzo Ball, projected to be one of the top three picks, as reported by SB Nation. That's why it's important for the Los Angeles Lakers to secure that draft pick.
The Los Angeles Lakers are already in tanking mode to secure one of the worst records in the NBA. Their victory, however, doesn't help the Los Angeles Lakers cause.
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