Hoops Habit
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers: 5 options for pick No. 2 in 2017 NBA Draft

By Kenneth Teape

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) drives to the basket past Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) drives to the basket past Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Los Angeles Lakers: 5 options for pick No.2 in 2017 NBA Draft
Feb 4, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) points against the Florida Gators during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

3. De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky

Selecting a point guard seems like the way the Lakers are leaning with their top pick. If they decide to pass on Lonzo Ball, De’Aaron Fox would likely be the reason why.

Fox has speed and agility to spare. He is easily the most athletically gifted point guard in this year’s draft class. According to ESPN‘s Chad Ford, there are some teams that prefer Fox over Ball right now, and there are more teams that could join that list as the draft process goes on and LaVar Ball has more time to say outrageous things.

Basing a draft ranking on two games wouldn’t be smart, but when Fox and Ball matched up head-to-head, Fox played well. In the first matchup, Fox scored 20 points with nine assists and only two turnovers in 34 minutes. In the Sweet 16, Fox torched Ball for 39 points with four assists and one turnover.

Fox gets to the basket at will, using his athleticism to blow by people despite having a suspect jump shot. If Fox could find consistency with his jump shot, he would quickly become one of the best point guards in the NBA.

Fox could use some extra strength and weight, but his athleticism and length should be enough for him to succeed in the early going. You can’t teach the speed he has, so that is a good starting spot for a prospect. He also has the capability of being a strong defender at the point of attack.

Teams were very impressed with his interviews. There is a lot to like about Fox both on and off the court. He would be an excellent addition to the Lakers and come with fewer headaches than Ball.

Home/Los Angeles Lakers