Sources — Pels to defer Lakers’ first-round draft pick from AD trade to ’25

The New Orleans Pelicans plan to defer the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round pick until 2025, paving the way for the Lakers to select 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, officials said Friday. sources at ESPN.

The Pelicans — who have until 11:59 p.m. ET Saturday to officially notify the NBA of the decision — had the choice of using or deferring the pick for a year as part of the 2019 Anthony Davis trade This is the final three first-round picks the Lakers owe the Pelicans in the deal.

David Griffin, New Orleans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, informed Lakers vice president and general manager Rob Pelinka of his intentions on Friday, sources said. The Lakers own picks Nos. 17 and 55 in the June 26-27 draft. New Orleans still holds the 21st pick in the 2024 draft.

Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analysis service used by the NBA, NCAA and international teams.