2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 22: College basketball is over

With new leadership in charge, it feels as though there are a nearly infinite number of outcomes for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. The franchise could move this pick as part of a deal to acquire a superstar or they could keep it and move other pieces in an attempt to do the same. Oh, and that doesn’t even mention the possibility that the Lakers’ pick would convey to the Philadelphia 76ers should it fall outside of the top three. Luckily for them, they’re still in range to take UCLA’s Lonzo Ball at this time.

Whether or not the front office chooses to follow through on a trade involving D’Angelo Russell, this selection still makes quite a bit of sense. Ball and Russell could form an exciting two point guard backcourt without sacrificing anything in the way of size — Ball is 6-foot-6 and did a nice job defending wings in college. Both players can handle the ball, create for others and are threats to shoot off it.

Ball led college basketball at 7.6 assists per game this season as he fundamentally transformed the Bruins offense just on year removed from a losing season in Westwood. He’s unselfish, has excellent court vision and is often thinking several moves ahead compared to other players on the court. Ball also made 41.2 percent of his 3s despite a funky shooting motion that could cause him some trouble pulling up off the dribble in the NBA.

Learn more about Lonzo Ball at The Step Back.