Boldly Predicting the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2018-19 Starting Lineup

Shooting Guard: Lonzo Ball

For this one, let’s assume that the Lakers manage to keep their top pick during the 2017 NBA Draft. They may even get some love from the lottery, landing them the No. 2 pick instead of the No. 3 pick they’re currently slated for.

With whatever pick they get, they land Lonzo Ball–the hometown hero from UCLA who apparently has his heart set on playing for the Lakers. While there’s some concern about the headache his father will likely bring with him, it’s difficult to deny he can be an impact player.

Ball seems like the right fit and hears his name called by the commissioner during Los Angeles’ selection.

Ball is a point guard by trade, but has the skill set to slide over to the 2 spot. With Westbrook in the mix, the move makes plenty of sense. He’ll likely spend his rookie season in that spot as well with Russell still in the mix, meaning it’ll be no issue after Westbrook’s return to L.A.

Teamed with Westbrook, Ball forms a Lakers backcourt made up of former Bruins. And based on the talent the two possess, it could be one of the deadliest guard duos in the NBA. The ceiling is sky high with the UCLA product as an effective scorer, defender and passer.

And yet, he may just be one of the least exciting starters of this hypothetical lineup.