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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 prospects to draft instead of Lonzo Ball

By Evan Massey

Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) reacts on the court against the Kent State Golden Flashes in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) reacts on the court against the Kent State Golden Flashes in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) drives against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Theo Pinson (left) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

1. De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky

If the Lakers want to go a different direction, De’Aaron Fox would be the way to go. Fox completely outplayed Ball in their Final Four matchup and his draft stock immediately started rising. Many believe that Fox could end up being the better point guard between the two when all is said and done.

Fox averaged 16.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game last season for Kentucky. He shot 47.9 percent from the floor overall, but only shot 24.6 percent from three-point range.

There is no denying Fox’s athleticism and ability to score in the paint, but improving his outside shooting is a must. If he is unable to improve his shooting ability, opposing defenses will know exactly how to shut him down at the next level.

Taking Fox over Ball would make the most sense should the Lakers decide to go another direction. All five players on this list project to be very good NBA players and would all be able to help speed up the Lakers’ rebuilding process over the next few seasons.

Next: Lakers - 5 options for pick No. 2 in 2017 NBA Draft

Do you think the Los Angeles Lakers should take Lonzo Ball? If not, who do you think they should select instead of him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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