The New Orleans Pelicans aren’t interested in taking the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round pick in this year’s NBA draft, ESPN and NOLA.com reported, opting to defer that selection until 2025.
The Lakers own the 17th overall pick while the Pelicans have the No. 21 overall selection.
New Orleans gained the option as part of the 2019 trade that sent Anthony Davis to Los Angeles.
This is the third of three first-round picks from that deal.
ESPN reported that Pelicans executive David Griffin advised Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka of his decision Friday. The deadline for the Pelicans to decide to take the swap is Saturday.
The Lakers also have the No. 55 overall selection in the draft, which will be held June 26-27.
–Field Level Media