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NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 16: Lonzo Ball to the Lakers

By Chris Stone

Feb 1, 2017; Pullman, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) attempts a free throw against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. The Bruins won 95-79. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Pullman, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) attempts a free throw against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Friel Court at Beasley Coliseum. The Bruins won 95-79. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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February 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) controls the ball against the defense of Southern California Trojans guard Jonah Mathews (2) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
February 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) controls the ball against the defense of Southern California Trojans guard Jonah Mathews (2) during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Lonzo Ball at The Step Back.

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Lonzo Ball

PG, UCLA

It shouldn’t be surprising to see UCLA’s Lonzo Ball land in the top three of the draft. Ball is an incredible talent who warps the basketball court in several ways. His passing ability and vision is fantastic. He regularly finds shooters right in their pocket and tosses some of the most creative passes in college basketball. Ball also has plenty of individual gravity because of his 3-point shooting. Ball’s got a funky, but effective shooting motion and he has no fears about launching it from deep. This season, Ball’s converting 43.0 percent of his 3-point chances.

What might be surprising is to see Ball land in Los Angeles alongside D’Angelo Russell. The two guards, though, seem like an interesting fit together. Both possess some level of creativity in their passing and both can knock down 3-point shots. Two point guard systems are all the rage in college basketball and the Lakers would be a nice test case to see if the same strategy can work on the NBA level. Add in the fact that Ball is the best talent available and this selection becomes more explainable. The obvious issues might come on the defensive end where neither player is exceptional.

Learn more about Lonzo Ball at The Step Back.

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