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2017 NBA Mock Draft: What if the Lakers don’t take Lonzo Ball?

By Chris Stone

Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles the ball against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) shoots during practice the day before the South Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0) shoots during practice the day before the South Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
reported that the Lakers would take “a long hard look at De’Aaron Fox” as they hoped to set up an individual workout between the two point guards.

Ball and Fox did battle twice this season with the Kentucky guard coming out on top of the individual matchup on both occasions. In the second contest, Fox dropped 39 points on the Bruins in one of the most impressive performances of the NCAA Tournament. If the Lakers’ new front office relies on those two games and a potential one-on-one workout that would likely favor Fox (given how much Ball’s game relies on operating in a team atmosphere), then it’s understandable how they could come to the conclusion to take the Wildcat.

Fox is an excellent prospect in his own regard, capable of using his quickness to break down defenses and attack in the paint. He would likely pair with D’Angelo Russell to form an intriguing backcourt that would be more reliable on defense than one that feature Ball next to Russell.

Learn more about De’Aaron Fox at The Step Back.

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De'Aaron Fox

PG, Kentucky

UCLA’s Lonzo Ball is the most likely player to be selected when the Los Angeles Lakers make their No. 2 pick on draft night, but it’s worth exploring how things might look if they choose to go another direction. Shortly after the lottery, Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress reported that the Lakers would take “a long hard look at De’Aaron Fox” as they hoped to set up an individual workout between the two point guards.

Ball and Fox did battle twice this season with the Kentucky guard coming out on top of the individual matchup on both occasions. In the second contest, Fox dropped 39 points on the Bruins in one of the most impressive performances of the NCAA Tournament. If the Lakers’ new front office relies on those two games and a potential one-on-one workout that would likely favor Fox (given how much Ball’s game relies on operating in a team atmosphere), then it’s understandable how they could come to the conclusion to take the Wildcat.

Fox is an excellent prospect in his own regard, capable of using his quickness to break down defenses and attack in the paint. He would likely pair with D’Angelo Russell to form an intriguing backcourt that would be more reliable on defense than one that feature Ball next to Russell.

Learn more about De’Aaron Fox at The Step Back.