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Former UCLA Basketball player Lonzo Ball reportedly needs stellar workout to remain Lakers top prospect

By Keir Chapman

Mar 4, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Lavar Ball embraces his son UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) after the game against the Washington State Cougars at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Lavar Ball embraces his son UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) after the game against the Washington State Cougars at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Reports that the Lakers are considering Josh Jackson or De’Aaron Fox with the no. 2 pick in the NBA Draft casts doubt on former UCLA Basketball player Lonzo Ball remaining in LA.

The plans put into place by the basketball universe to land former UCLA Basketball player Lonzo Ball on the Los Angeles Lakers have come closer to fruition. This is because, on May 16, Los Angeles received the second pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Draftexpress.com and nbadraft.net have Lonzo as the second best prospect behind Washington University’s Markelle Fultz. While Fultz’s path to this point has been spotless, Lonzo hasn’t been so lucky.  LaVar Ball, Lonzo’s father, has overshadowed his son’s prolific play at Chino Hills and UCLA with controversial comments and actions.

LaVar has drummed up drama by claiming Lonzo will only play for the Lakers along with selling $495 shoes for a player that has yet to step foot on an NBA court. However, Lonzo is viewed as a lock to the Lakers, and may not pay for the sins of his father.

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) battle Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) for a ball as Kentucky forward Edrice Adebayo (3) backs up the play at left in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Kentucky won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) battle Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) for a ball as Kentucky forward Edrice Adebayo (3) backs up the play at left in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Kentucky won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

An obstacle in his way to remain in Los Angeles comes in the form of a basketballinsiders.com report. Editor and Publisher Steven Kyler writes that Lonzo must go above and beyond in his June 7 workout with the Lakers to remain the team’s top choice.

"With reports surfacing that the LA Lakers and former UCLA guard Lonzo Ball have finalized the details of a workout and face to face meeting in LA next week, there is a growing sense that unless Lonzo absolutely blows the doors off, he may not be the Lakers’ guy. The Lakers are weeks away from needing to make their final decision, but there are many that believe the Lakers could go after both Kansas forward Josh Jackson and Kentucky guard De’Aaron Fox (who made my Mock at 2 this week) with the second overall pick."

Although this is a pre-draft rumor, it’s worth speculating the thought of the Lakers passing on Lonzo. The first question is, would Los Angeles select another player to distance themselves from LaVar?

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Bruins head coach Steve Alford has said that LaVar has never caused any distractions at UCLA. Furthermore, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver believes LaVar will calm down once Lonzo is drafted. The sentiment that LaVar is hurting his son’s draft stock appears to be an overblown notion to create headlines.

The second question is, do Josh Jackson or De’Aaron Fox fulfill needs for the Lakers that Lonzo doesn’t?

Assists per game and 3-point shooting percentage were two areas of concern for Los Angeles this past season. They ranked 26th in assists with 20.9 per game and 22nd in 3-point percentage, making just 35% of their shots from downtown last season.

Fox posted a respectable 4.6 assists per game last season, but came up short to Lonzo’s NCAA-leading 7.7. Fox struggled shooting the three, converting just 25% of his 3-pointers. Jackson fared better with a 39% conversion rate, but again, Lonzo topped both at 41%.

Lonzo appears to possess the traits the Lakers are looking for in their next young star, and is close to creating the perfect Hollywood story. The hometown hero dons the purple and gold and helps the Lakers return to their former glory.

Next: Lonzo Ball is a human highlight reel

The stars have so far aligned to make this vision a reality. Los Angeles must wait with bated breath until the draft on June 22 for the conclusion to this saga.