Lonzo Ball is an exciting talent that seems destined for the Los Angeles Lakers, but there are pros and cons for selecting the UCLA point guard.
The 2017 NBA Draft is an opportunity for the Los Angeles Lakers to find their next star.
Having hit rock bottom with their franchise-worst 2015-16 season, we’ve since seen a minor improvement in 2016-17, with this year’s draft providing a possible catalyst for a purple and gold resurgence.
UCLA’s Lonzo Ball is an unquestionable talent, but like every player coming into the league, there are pros and cons to be considered on draft night.
The Lakers are almost certain to see Ball on the board after the Boston Celtics select Markelle Fultz with the first pick of the draft on June 22.
That scenario would come as no surprise given Ball ranks second in all categories on DraftExpress.com:
2nd in 2017 Mock Draft
2nd in NCAA Freshmen
2nd in Top 100 Prospects
2nd in Pac-12 Prospects
Behind Fultz in every one, the writing is on the wall: Ball is headed to Los Angeles.
Does anyone remind you of yourself at that young age in this year's draft?
— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) May 25, 2017
"That's easy, Lonzo Ball"
- @MagicJohnson
His talent is evident in the numbers, putting up 14.6 points, 7.6 assists and 6.0 rebounds per game at UCLA. His 41 percent three-point shooting is a good sign of what’s to come in the NBA, but his 67.3 percent at the free throw line remains a worry.
For better or for worse, the Ball name has been in the spotlight more than most NBA prospects in recent memory. Lonzo’s father, LaVar Ball, has undoubtedly used his son’s rise to fame for personal gain. Spouting his outlandish opinions to anyone that will listen, LaVar will ride the wave as long as he can.
With talent and off-court distractions; it’s like Lonzo Ball was made for the lights of La La Land.