NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Targeting 1st-Round Draft Pick

The Los Angeles Lakers had a pick in the first round of the 2012 NBA draft, but they decided to roll the dice with Ramon Sessions and dealt what turned out to be the No. 24 selection to Cleveland at the deadline.

That gambit backfired, and Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio is reporting that the Lakers are making an attempt to get back into the first round. They apparently have their sights set on Perry Jones III or Quincy Miller.

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Lakers "making real push" to get into 1st round of NBA Draft, says EC exec. Word is they like the Baylor guys: Perry Jones & Quincy Miller.

— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) June 21, 2012"

It seems that these latest rumors coincide with Sessions deciding to decline his player option for the 2012-13 season and test the open market.

The Lakers are clearly having regrets about shipping off the only first-rounder they had in exchange for a mediocre point guard. Now the organization has a chance for redemption by adding a mid-round pick at some point in the week leading up to the draft.

It’s also worth pointing out that L.A.’s renewed interest in the 2012 draft coincides with PJIII having some of his worst workouts and Miller still answering questions about his high school ACL injury.

The draft stock of these Baylor Bears prospects could not be lower, which is likely why they intrigue Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak. They are highly skilled prospects with a lot of upside, and it would not cost L.A. an arm and a leg to acquire either.

Kupchak will likely be calling the Houston Rockets or Boston Celtics, as each franchise possesses two picks in the middle of the first round. Both organizations are looking to shake things up on their end in order to compete, so they would likely be willing to facilitate a deal if it was a mutually beneficial situation.

It remains to be seen what the Lakers have to offer outside of Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum that would interest potential trading partners, but knowing the history of this franchise, it will get something done.