The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers Okay With Los Angeles 2018 Unprotected First Round Pick

By Bret Stuter

Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) and forward Dario Saric (9) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) and forward Dario Saric (9) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the 76ers 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA draft prospects pose for a group photo on stage before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA draft prospects pose for a group photo on stage before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Not Much Hope For Draft Help

That’s great for the headlines, but a changing of the guard mid season is not always an immediate fix.  You see, the team used the 2016 free agency to sign Luol Deng and Timofey Mozgov to very lucrative contracts. At the trade deadline, the team traded top scorer Lou Williams to the Houston Rockets for Corey Brewer and a 2017 first round pick.  At 28, the pick has far less value to the team than their own first.

But that willingness to deal indicated the intentions of these Lakers to tank for the remainder of this season to retain their pick.  But the 2017 NBA Draft is loaded with back court talent.  The needs of the Los Angeles Lakers? Front court.

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Lakeside Life Not As Appealing

With the team committing so many dollars for so little production with both Deng and Mozgov, the team is somewhat shackled to both players.  The team has shown no ability to improve defensively, and the offense has taken a hit with the loss of Williams. In 2017, look for improvement on the offense (at least, in terms of recovering from the loss of Williams) but do not expect defensive strides.

The Lakers first round pick in 2017 will likely focus on a shooting guard.  But any rookie will find himself playing behind the like of Nick Young and Jordan Clarkson.  Even if the Lakers move on from Nick Young, that is one more productive player’s role needing filled.

In short, the 2017-2018 Los Angeles Lakers will struggle to improve beyond 25 wins next season. The team will likely find competition in that part of the NBA rankings, with both the Sacramento Kings and the Brooklyn Nets struggling to improve as well. |

But the struggles of the 2017-2018 Lakers is music to the fans of the Philadelphia 76ers.