While the Knicks traded away the number 7 pick in the draft, the other big-city team in the NBA traded up to the 20th position.

This was the highest the Lakers have drafted since 1996.

Steve Dilbeck of the L.A. Daily News notes that the Lakers? draft picks since then have been DeJuan Wheat, Paul Rogers, Sam Jacobson, Ruben Patterson, Toby Bailey, Tyronn Lue, Devean George, John Celestand and Madsen.  Aside from Patterson, none of these players has had any impact in the NBA.

But with the 20th pick, the Lakers took Kareem Rush.  

Rush is a legitimate prospect.  He?s a big guard who can shoot, slash to the basket and defend. Coach Phil Jackson seldom takes an immediate liking to rookies, but the Lakers now have a talented young player with whom they can be patient, one who one day may be capable of starting.