Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka joined selected reporters on a conference call immediately following L.A.’s unexpected jump from No. 11 to No. 4 in the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery.
Originally holding just a 9.4 percent chance to move into the top four, the Lakers did just that, as forward Kyle Kuzma represented the squad in a purple suit in Chicago, delivering the biggest upward jump of any team. Only the Pelicans and Grizzlies joined the Lakers in moving up (six spots apiece), with eight teams moving down, and three squads remaining in their most likely spot.
Here’s a transcript of the call with Pelinka:
On his immediate reaction:
Pelinka: This is a powerful asset for us.