There are multiple reports Lakers brass isn’t locked in on either of the draft’s top-2 projected picks, big men Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor. The reports have suggested intrigue in mystery point guard Emmanuel Mudiay, who played his season out of high school in China, and Ohio State point guard D’Angelo Russell.
If the Lakers are indeed looking to pass, it could change the Knicks’ plans at 4 as they have been focused on looking at options in trading down. The Lakers could be letting out those vibes to ensure Mudiay and Russell agree to work out. They also could be sending out a signal they would be willing to trade down a couple of notches.