In the realm of NBA drafts, the Los Angeles Lakers have a history of landing some of the league’s top talents as the No. 1 overall pick. They’ve secured star players who went on to leave an indelible mark on the franchise. Now, as the 2023 NBA Draft unfolds, the question arises: Will Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick selected by the Spurs, become the next star to join this impressive lineage of No. 1 picks in Los Angeles?
1992 NBA Draft
1. Shaquille O’Neal
2. Alonzo Mourning
Shaquille O’Neal was selected by the Orlando Magic as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. He began his NBA career with the Magic and quickly established himself as one of the most dominant centers in the league. After four successful seasons with Orlando, Shaq would go on to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent in 1996.
In the 1992 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets selected Alonzo Mourning as the second overall pick. Mourning, a standout center, began his NBA career with the Hornets. He went on to have a successful career with multiple teams, including the Miami Heat, where he won an NBA championship in 2006.
2004 NBA Draft
1. Dwight Howard
2. Emeka Okafor
Dwight Howard was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, selected by the Orlando Magic. He spent the majority of his early career with the Magic, becoming a force in the paint and earning numerous accolades. It was in 2012 that Howard was part of a blockbuster trade that sent him to the Lakers, marking his arrival in Los Angeles. Despite his initial stint being brief, he returned to the Lakers in 2020 to help secure an NBA championship.
The second overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft was Emeka Okafor, selected by the Charlotte Bobcats (now the Charlotte Hornets). Okafor had a promising start to his career and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2005. He played for the Bobcats for several seasons before moving on to other teams, including the New Orleans Hornets.
2012 NBA Draft
1. Anthony Davis
2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Anthony Davis was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets (now known as the New Orleans Pelicans) as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He began his professional career with the Hornets and was a standout player for the franchise. In 2019, Davis was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he quickly became a vital part of the team’s championship-winning roster in 2020.
In the 2012 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Bobcats (again, now the Hornets) chose Michael Kidd-Gilchrist as the second overall pick. He began his NBA career with the Bobcats and later played for the Dallas Mavericks.
NBA Fans React To Potential Victor Wembanyama’s Lakers Move
NBA fans are buzzing with excitement and speculation about the potential move of Victor Wembanyama to the Los Angeles Lakers, but many are quick to dismiss this as mere fantasy. Wembanyama, the highly-touted generational talent, was selected as the number-one pick by the San Antonio Spurs, and this choice has only solidified the improbability of such a transfer.
While the Lakers have a storied history of signing prominent big men like Shaquille O’Neal, Dwight Howard, and Anthony Davis, it’s essential to recognize the context. These players were acquired during periods when their respective franchises were enduring challenging times. The Lakers, on the other hand, have been one of the most successful organizations in the NBA, both historically and in terms of recent championships. Wembanyama, on the other hand, finds himself with the Spurs, a rival to the Lakers, which further diminishes the possibility of a transfer.
One fan said that the Spurs won’t give up Wemby for even 50 draft picks.
Spurs wouldn’t give Wemby to the Lakers for 50 picks.
— Hip-Hop Jeff Van Gundy (@JeffVanGundysB1) November 3, 2023
Another fan said this is not gonna happen as Wemby will remain a Spurs player for life.
Nope not even happening he be a Spur for life
— Black Ghost ♊ (@theinfinitypoet) November 3, 2023
One more fan said that the Spurs would rather send him back to France than send him to the Lakers.
nah bc this time it’s the spurs and they would send em back to france before he can come to lakers 😂😂
— Austin Tidwell (@AustinTidwell19) November 3, 2023
Another fan said that this move would only happen in a dream.
In your dream
— m. m (@Rexhex2024) November 3, 2023
One fan said that Gregg Popovich and the Spurs will never help the Lakers in any way.
https://twitter.com/akostonkid/status/1720471854669025649
The consensus among fans is that the idea of Wembanyama joining the Lakers is a mere pipe dream. Given his talent and the competitive nature of the NBA, such a move would be a remarkable surprise. Fans are excited to see Wembanyama’s journey unfold with the Spurs but acknowledge that the Lakers are unlikely to be part of that narrative.
The Lakers Will Make The Move Even If There Is A 1% Chance
The possibility of Victor Wembanyama joining the Los Angeles Lakers, while currently a long shot, cannot be completely dismissed. In the world of professional sports, where the unexpected often happens, a 1% chance is sometimes all it takes for monumental moves to occur.
Currently, the idea of Wembanyama leaving the San Antonio Spurs seems highly unlikely. The Spurs are beginning to witness the true potential of this generational talent, and they are unlikely to let go of a player with such a promising future. The organization has a history of retaining and developing star players, as seen with legends like Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and David Robinson. Wembanyama’s potential is undoubtedly seen as a cornerstone for the Spurs’ future.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge the Lakers’ history of making significant free-agent acquisitions and blockbuster trades. The Lakers, as one of the most prominent and successful franchises in NBA history, are known for their ability to attract top talent. If, in the coming years, there were even a slight hint of Wembanyama being unhappy or seeking a change, the Lakers, with their resources and reputation, would undoubtedly make a compelling case.
While it remains a long shot, the Lakers have shown that they’re willing to explore even the most improbable opportunities if there’s a 1% chance of success. In the dynamic world of the NBA, surprises can happen, and fans can only wait and watch to see how Wembanyama’s career unfolds.
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