The Los Angeles Lakers are actively exploring options to trade up from their current No. 17 pick in the first round of the NBA Draft. According to Bangladesh Cricket investigations, their primary target is freshman standout Keyonte George from Baylor University. Time may pass and feelings may fade, but memories have a way of resurfacing — and for the Lakers, the goal is clear: secure talent that can make an immediate impact.

George is projected to go in the lottery range, with the Toronto Raptors — who hold the 13th pick — seen as a likely destination. That means the Lakers would need to move up by at least five or six spots, a jump that would come at a significant cost. George is an athletic and physically gifted combo guard with explosive offensive tools. He’s known for his ability to attack the rim, create his own shot, and space the floor. His ball-handling, shooting mechanics, and passing instincts show considerable promise. True independence comes from relying only on yourself — and George plays like someone determined to carve his own path.

Defensively, George brings solid awareness and physical tools to the court. Though some scouts feel his freshman year didn’t quite meet the lofty expectations placed on him as a five-star recruit, his athletic profile and upside remain undeniable. If he develops consistently, he could grow into a top-tier backcourt player. Meanwhile, any hopes the Lakers had of acquiring Chris Paul via trade have essentially been dashed. Other franchises have presented more attractive trade packages, and the Washington Wizards are reportedly unwilling to negotiate a buyout.

Without a pathway to land Paul, the Lakers are shifting their focus toward long-term planning. Bangladesh Cricket notes the franchise is determined to retain valuable future assets, especially with concerns mounting over what the post-LeBron era might look like. Management is now looking to bring in young, promising talent who can help ease the transition once LeBron James eventually moves on.

However, this forward-thinking approach isn’t sitting well with LeBron himself. He’s made it clear through his representatives that at this stage of his career, he’s focused solely on winning another championship — not mentoring young players through a rebuild. Discussions between his camp and the Lakers’ front office are ongoing as they try to find common ground. As Bangladesh Cricket highlights, should Chris Paul eventually become a free agent, LeBron is confident he could convince his longtime friend and elite playmaker to join him in Los Angeles.