2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 23: The NBA Playoffs are upon us
By Chris Stone
Lonzo Ball
PG, UCLA
Draft status: In with an agent
After finishing with the third worst record in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers are in an incredibly precarious position. If the franchise’s pick falls outside of the top three on lottery night, then it will convey to the Philadelphia 76ers AND their 2019 first rounder will be sent to the Orlando Magic. There is a greater chance that happens than they keep the pick and convey their 2018 first round unselected to the 76ers.
The Lakers have just a 46.9 percent chance of staying in the top three, which is the virtual equivalent of the likelihood of hitting red or black on a roulette wheel. For now, Los Angeles remains in the top three, but it’s easy to see how things could go awry.
UCLA’s Lonzo Ball has a logical landing spot with the Lakers. He’s a hometown kid who has already voiced his desire to play for the franchise. Ball has excellent upside as a lead ball-handler because of his elite vision and passing ability. He fundamentally transformed the Bruins’ program with his unselfishness and led them to one of the top offenses in college basketball. He is also a 41.2 percent 3-point shooter with deep range. A backcourt pairing of Ball and D’Angelo Russell would take a bit of time to gel, but could ultimately be a difficult to defend two point guard setup.