1 pick is a talent and arguably the second-best center to hit the open market this summer besides Myles Turner. Doing so would seem to have indicated he expected to play his eighth season in a Lakers uniform. But until James, or the Lakers, slams the door on the idea of him playing elsewhere next season, speculation will continue. "That was a prized asset they gave up," one general manager said to ESPN of Denver's 2032 pick. Last year, the league was back down to three teams over the second apron: Minnesota, Phoenix and Boston.