2017 NBA Draft: Biggest winners and losers
By Max Holm
Biggest Winner #3: Los Angeles Lakers and Big Baller Brand
After weeks of speculation, Lonzo Ball is a Los Angeles Laker, just like LaVar Ball said all along. In a week where the front office shipped away D’Angelo Russell to clear cap room, the Lakers needed a good draft. Instead, they had a great one.
The Lakers were neck-and-neck with the top-2 for who had the best draft. When it comes to a successful night, the conversation of course starts with Lonzo Ball. Ball looks to be the new face of the franchise and should elevate the games of all the Lakers’ young players. Ball is a win for his teammates, a win for the future, a win for Summer League and a win for tickets at Staples Center.
His selection is also a win for Big Baller Brand. Staying close to home is good for Ball to see his family and vice versa. Get ready for a lot more LaVar, though don’t expect him to be anywhere near to the bench or locker room. This is the day we get to really enjoy the Lonzo experience, not the Ball one.
In addition, the Lakers might have had the biggest steal of the night with Villanova’s Josh Hart. Adding an interesting combo forward in Kyle Kuzma and Thomas Bryant‘s stretch-5 potential gives the Lakers a lot of versatility heading into training camp. They definitely left some good players on the board in the second round, but no one can be displeased because of Ball and Hart.