Why are people even still considering "tanking"... While securing a draft pick is nice in that it holds value in the trade market, you also have to take into consideration the fact that it is a complete crap-shoot from the start. The Lakers are in the point of the rebuild where they are still establishing a foundation around their young core. For that reason, a winning record is more important because it will entice above average free agents to come. While they likely won't land a star this offseason, the successes determined by this season will dictate what is to come.
This team has enough young pieces. Clarkson, Russell, Ingram, Randle, Nance, and Zubac. Even if they were to secure the pick, the most ideal route would be to package it for a borderline All-Star or whatever you can get in the market.
Luke and co. would never purposely try to lose games. If you guys watch, the younger guys and entire squad is competing on a nightly basis. Most nights they're capable of playing solid basketball and in the past 10 or so games, they've kept up with most teams and have even secured large leads. They simply lack the killer instinct and consistency to close out games due to a variety of issues stemming from inexperience.
While I respect your point; I disagree, now as I've said ad naseum, I don't advocate tanking but given the choice between the cannon fodder eighth seed and a pick I'll take the pick Not really a value in getting crushed hard, four times or are you an eternal optimist? I am a realist, didn't like the signings(Deng, Moz) so much but it's where we are. There isn't anyone coming that can change things this off season, mid level free agents aren't thirsting to play for the Lakers, not yet. It's gon be alright , it's gon be alright.