Tommy Sheppard began draft day discussing trades that would have built around a pairing of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal with the Washington Wizards, but a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers quickly materialized in the hours leading to the start of the draft.

The Lakers were close to the finish line on a trade of Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Sacramento Kings for Buddy Hield. The parties and players involved in the trade were surprised to see it fall apart with the Lakers pivoting to the Westbrook trade.

Westbrook reportedly expressed a preference to be traded from the Wizards this offseason with the Lakers as his chosen destination. 

As for Hield eventually going to the Lakers, neither the Wizards or Kings have interest in a sign-and-trade for Dennis Schroder.