Lakers named favorites to land Ace Bailey after Jazz news
🎯 Jazz Select Ace Bailey at No. 5 Despite His Draft Preferences
- Bailey went fifth to Utah, after Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, and VJ Edgecombe were picked earlier (sportskeeda.com, slcdunk.com).
- He became one of the most polarizing prospects due to skipping workouts—including with teams like Philadelphia—and signaling he’d prefer landing with the Wizards, Pelicans, or Nets (picks 6–8) (profootballnetwork.com).
- Jazz execs, including Austin Ainge and minority owner Dwyane Wade, confidently moved forward, citing his upside and fit (slcdunk.com).
📄 Bailey’s Take & Representation’s Confirmation
- Bailey told reporters post-draft, “I’m glad it’s over,” adding he had “no idea” Utah even wanted him but now is focused on basketball (profootballnetwork.com).
- His rep, Andrew Witlieb, stressed that Bailey is “thrilled” to be with the Jazz, expected to report by Monday and join summer programs (nbcsports.com).
💵 The Lakers as New Favorites?
While Utah picked at No. 5, the Lakers are emerging as new favorites to land Bailey—but not by drafting him directly. Instead:
- If Utah keeps him, Bailey stays in Utah on his rookie contract (~$41.2 million over four years) (espn.com, talksport.com).
- If Utah doesn’t mesh with Bailey’s aspirations, trade talk heats up. Since Bailey preferred teams at picks 6–8 (including Washington, New Orleans, Brooklyn), the Lakers—who pick next at No. 9—are in pole position to move up through a trade and land him (profootballnetwork.com).
- Some odds reflect this: markets have him favored at 5 or 6, but there’s chatter about a Lakers trade package to jump ahead .
🧠 Lakers’ Rationale
- Talent fit: Bailey offers athleticism and scoring upside—traits the Lakers highly value.
- Market shift: With Bailey signaling preference for post-5 teams, getting a trade deal with Utah (or others) becomes strategic.
- Wealth of assets: The Lakers have draft picks and cap space to incentivize Utah or other control teams.
✅ Bottom Line
- Utah drafted Bailey No. 5, despite him leaning toward East-coast teams (slcdunk.com).
- Bailey is onboard with playing for Utah and will report imminently .
- The Lakers are seen as favorites to land him next—but only if they execute a trade to move into the top five.
So far, no deal has been finalized. But if the Jazz decide Bailey isn’t a long-term fit, L.A. is positioned better than most to pounce, thanks to their draft leverage and Bailey’s stated interest in teams in that vicinity.
Let me know if you want a breakdown of possible trade packages, odds from sportsbooks,.
