Lesane Crooks
Published May 13, 2023
The Los Angeles Mamba sent shockwaves to the league as they went on & trade up to #2 overall (via Memphis) just a few hours before the draft. It was quite a surprise but not totally unexpected as we have heard through a grapevine that GM Jerron Grace has been looking to trade up & made his intention known as well. We heard that he have initiated discussions w/ the Top 5 picks & landed the #2 pick but it wasn't cheap. The Mamba has to send to Memphis a total of 4 1st Round Picks including the #9 & #15 overall picks of this draft alongside 2 future picks in 2027 PHI 1st & 2028 IND 1st the Mamba also sent 2 2nd Rd Picks 2027 LA 2nd & 2028 NJ 2nd. That is quite the bounty & some says that they overpaid for the pick, but the management begs to differ; People will talk, let them. We have a target in mind & we knew first hand that he will be available at that position. We still have our own 1st Round picks from next year & beyond, we knew we have to wow Memphis with an offer & we didn't want to go back & forth in negotiations. We have a feeling our top target would be there & we have a top 3 list anyway if he gets selected 1st, we are ok. We ain't worried at all," GM Jerron Grace said about the trade.
With that trade the Mamba now holds the #2 pick, #23 pick, #39 pick, #62 & #63 picks overall. If they hold all of them there will be some sort of youth movement in Los Angeles this coming season. Rumors have circle that the Mamba is targeting San Diego State standout PG Reginald "Slim Reaper" Martin, the 6'8" PG have unique skill set that could fit in very well with their current franchise center piece Hollywood Rob Scott. The Mamba also are looking at guard Jon Childs of Miami, wings Josh Morris of NC State & D-League Select phenom Rodney Cohen.
by: Lesane Crooks