When the Phoenix Suns dealt Steve Nash to the Los Angeles Lakers via a sign-and-trade, they insisted the first round draft pick they got from the Lakers be unprotected. It seemed unlikely when the trade went through that the Lakers' pick would even sniff a lottery pick but as the Lakers continue to struggle, the Suns first round draft pick from them continues to move up the charts.

Making it worse for the Lakers is the fact that Nash has been sitting on the bench injured for weeks. In fact, at 11-14 on the season, the Lakers are barely ahead of Nash's former team in the Western Conference standings. If Lakers improve upon Nash and Pau Gasol's return, the Suns would likely get the Miami Heat's first round pick because of another deal the Lakers have with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Suns will also get a 2015 first round pick from the Lakers for the Nash trade and will also be getting the Denver Nugget's second round choice in 2013 and the Lakers second round choice in 2014.