The Los Angeles Lakers, as expected, selected UCLA product Lonzo Ball with the second pick in the NBA draft.
Ball averaged 14.6 points and 7.6 assists while guiding the Bruins to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament in his only season in Westwood. Ball drew praise for controlling an up-tempo and excelling as a passer.
Ball and his outspoken father, LaVar, had been vocal about their desire to see Lonzo play professionally in Los Angeles. Throughout the process, it was reported the Lakers were considering several options with the second pick, but ultimately came back to Ball.
The 6-foot-6 Ball has combo guard potential. While working primarily as a point at UCLA, his spot shooting ability and size will allow for movement. He and first overall choice Markelle Fultz were widely considered the prizes of the draft.
It’s new Lakers president Magic Johnson’s first draft pick since accepting the role in February. His first trade came Tuesday when L.A. dealt guard D’Angelo Russell, who was the No. 2 overall pick two years ago, and center Tim Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets for center Brook Lopez and the 27th selection in this year’s draft.
Los Angeles has selected in the top 10 four consecutive seasons. It previously drafted forward Julius Randle, Russell and forward Brandon Ingram. Despite a homegrown core, the reported focus in L.A., as it so often is, centers on a pursuit of Pacers forward Paul George and perhaps Cavaliers star LeBron James in 2018.
The Lakers are reportedly still trying to acquire George, but Ball isn’t believed to be involved in those discussions.
About the Author
