NBA Draft: With the #2 pick, Lonzo Ball could go to the Los Angeles Lakers
The NBA Draft Lottery has revealed the top 3 choices in the draft and the Los Angeles Lakers got the #2 pick, which means former UCLA Basketball player Lonzo Ball could stay in L.A.
It is no secret that Los Angeles Lakers Head of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson wants former UCLA Basketball player Lonzo Ball.
After today’s NBA Draft Lottery, that seems to be even more within reach.
The balls definitely bounced LA’s way as the Lakers secured a top 3 spot at #2. So unless the Boston Celtics, longtime rival of the Lakers, select Ball with the #1 overall selection, it seems Lonzo could be heading to Los Angeles.
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The former Bruin (but really his brash father) have been vocal about wanting to play for the Lakers. Ball, who is from LA suburb Chino Hills, could be a perfect fit for the Lakers who are reeling from the worst season in franchise history. L.A. recently made major adjustments in recent months, which saw the exit of former Head of Operations Jim Buss for Johnson.
With that, the Lakers, led by owner Jeanie Buss, have been looking to reverse the losing trends of the last several seasons. So with the Lakers retaining their first round lottery pick, selecting Ball could help in that process.
This past season, Ball helped turn around a UCLA Basketball team that went 15-17 before he got to town. With the addition of Ball, the Bruins went 31-5 and returned to the Sweet Sixteen. Ball is a generational player that transformed the Bruins with his talents that have been used on both sides of the court.
.@MagicJohnson on the 2 pick: “I was very excited and happy. Happy for our organization, happy for our team, happy for our fans.” #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/KzQLXhUMba
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) May 17, 2017
Next: What if Ball is not selected by the Lakers?
Last season, Ball averaged 14.6 points, 7.6 assists, 6.0 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 0.8 blocks. Needless to say, he was pretty amazing. So is he destined to take his talents to the Purple and Gold? We find out June 22.