Predicting Los Angeles Lakers’ 2018-19 starting lineup with LeBron James

Point Guard: Lonzo Ball

Despite all of the rumors and speculation, this one just makes too much sense. No matter how much of a pain LaVar Ball can be, it’s going to be too difficult for the Lakers to pass on a local legend like Lonzo Ball at No. 2 in the 2017 NBA Draft.

D’Angelo Russell is a promising point guard, but Los Angeles could use a true facilitator. Russell is more of a scorer and budding sharpshooter, whereas Ball is pure passer who also happens to be pretty good at putting the ball in the basket — even with that unorthodox shooting style of his.

I’m not entirely convinced he’s a superstar in the making, though. Despite that, he seems like he’d be a terrific addition to this Lakers lineup. He’s a true point guard who can bring out the best in the players around him while also adding a little flare on the offensive side. His defense, though, will need work, and I’d like to see him play with more toughness and tenacity.

When all is said and done, Ball should be wearing purple and gold. It’s going to be too difficult for Magic, Rob Pelinka and Luke Walton to pass on the prolific point guard on draft night. When they inevitably call his name, Ball will take over at the 1-spot while giving Los Angeles yet another outstanding young asset to mold.