With the draft rumors on the swing for a headliner team like the Los Angeles Lakers, the latest update from the Philadelphia 76ers might jeopardize the former’s strategy. Recently, the New Orleans Pelicans decided to defer their first-round selection to 2025. Therefore, the Lakers’ draft picks have emerged to be no.17 and no.55 overall. Though the purple and gold have the chance to seize Bronny James at 55 overall, mock drafts suggest an intriguing player at No.17 that the Lakers may look to sign. The 76ers on the other hand, have got no. 16 and 41 picks in the draft and are now eying LA’s coveted pick.

Tristan Da Silva is projected to be picked by the Lakers at No.17 in the latest ESPN mock draft. However, Philadelphia holds the No.16 pick and instead of Bronny, Morey could look to disrupt LA’s strategy through Da Silva. Therefore, it might be a tug of war between Rob Pelinka and Daryl Morey to get the hold of the Colorado Buffaloes player. The 23-year-old is an important asset that the Lakers might be eyeing at the draft. His ability to be on both defensive and offensive ends will give versatility to the Lakers roster. Moreover, his perimeter shooting covered almost 40% of 3-pointer attempts last season. Da Silva is a plug-and-play option for the Lakers, who will boost the roster led by veteran LeBron James.

The Lakers need a wingman who is a high-level defender as well as a high-percentage three-point shooter. Therefore, Da Silva matches their requirement. Also, it is not just the skillset on the court. Tristan is just 23-year-old and the energy that he’ll bring to the roster will more than any skillset to give a fresh start to purple and gold jerseys.

Will Morey land Tristan Da Silva amid rumors of acquiring Bronny James and his father?

After their season-ending against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Daryl Morey announced that his team would be hunting for a third star. Considering Tristan da Silva’s skillset, they might not have to worry about picking up Bronny James at no. 41. The most shrewd move with a minimal possibility for the Sixers was to lure LeBron James through Bronny to complete their third star requirement. Moreover, they want someone with a high-level basketball IQ and experience of Championships.

There was no one better than Bronny to get their hand on LeBron. However, Tristan da Silva’s ability to perform under tight conditions might prove fruitful to the Sixers. Interestingly, Da Silva has not got much athleticism on the board, which makes him compatible with Joel Embiid on the court. Their slow but effective offense plan would trouble the opponents if it came to reality. There is no point stooping a big man like Embiid. On the other hand, the 23-year-old will keep scoring baskets with three-pointers.

Yet Tristan da Silva has to upgrade his skillset in the camp if he wants to be useful to either of the teams. Nevertheless, the Sixers must keep Bronny James in consideration, as they might get a bigger fish if luck is on their side. Until then, check out other updates and watch out for what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the marketing genius in the following video.