Lakers and Pelicans finalize deal: Three first-round picks locked in

The Lakers, as expected, will have the No. 17 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft.

The New Orleans Pelicans had the choice to use or defer the pick for one more year as part of the Anthony Davis trade in 2019. This is the last of three first-round picks the Lakers owe to the Pelicans in the deal. The Times-Picayune was the first to report the decision on Friday.

Instead of having the Lakers’ first-round pick in the June 26-27 draft, the Pelicans will receive the Lakers’ first-round pick next year. New Orleans still has its own pick (No. 21) in the 2024 draft.

The Lakers traded Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball and the three first-round picks (2019, 2022 and 2025) to New Orleans for Davis in the summer of 2019.

Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin reportedly informed Lakers VP and general manager Rob Pelinka of his intentions on Friday, the day before the deadline for him to formally notify the NBA of his decision.

The Lakers will also have the No. 55 pick in the upcoming draft.

If they choose to do so, the Lakers will be able to trade as many as three first-round picks during the upcoming draft – their 2024, 2029 and 2031 selections.

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