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2017 NBA Mock Draft, Week 27: The final randomized lottery

By Chris Stone

Jan 12, 2017; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears guard Charlie Moore (13) attempts to defend against Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) during the first half of the game at Haas Pavilion. California Golden Bears defeated the Washington Huskies 69-59. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2017; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears guard Charlie Moore (13) attempts to defend against Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) during the first half of the game at Haas Pavilion. California Golden Bears defeated the Washington Huskies 69-59. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) controls the ball against Kentucky Wildcats forward Wenyen Gabriel (32) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) controls the ball against Kentucky Wildcats forward Wenyen Gabriel (32) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Lonzo Ball at The Step Back.

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Lonzo Ball

PG, UCLA

Lottery odds: 15.6 percent

Draft status: In with an agent

This isn’t a perfect ending for the Philadelphia 76ers as the Los Angeles Lakers manage to hold onto their pick by staying in the top three. However, it does set up a rather perfect marriage between the Lakers and hometown prospect Lonzo Ball. The UCLA product has already expressed his desire to play for the franchise and the fit would be pretty intriguing with D’Angelo Russell already in the backcourt.

Given the concerns that exist regarding Ball’s ability as an individual creator when the game slows down, playing a sort of free-flowing system that allows both he and Russell to help facilitate the offense would be ideal. Ball is a terrific outside shooter with deep range despite an awkward shooting motion that involves pulling the ball across his body and releasing it to the side of his face. He is also an incredibly smart player who can take advantage of rotating defenses by cutting to the basket.

Defensively, the backcourt would obviously have some concerns in terms of athleticism and speed, but if the Lakers could pair the two with a quality wing defender, they could probably get by.
Learn more about Lonzo Ball at The Step Back.