NBA Rumors: Lakers would pass on Lonzo Ball if NBA Draft was held today
By Trey Daubert
The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly would pass on Lonzo Ball if the 2017 NBA Draft was had today.
Big Baller Bust? Well the Lakers may be starting to think that way. While many draft pundits suggested that Lonzo Ball was the clear cut pick for the Lakers, it appears Los Angeles isn’t so bullish on the local UCLA product. Steering away from the antics surrounding Ball and his family may be a blessing in disguise for the Lakers
NBA reporter Jordan Schultz noted that the Lakers aren’t as enamored with Ball as the rest of the media seems to think.
Per source, the #Lakers would pass on Lonzo Ball if #nbadraft was today. Team isn't convinced he's a star and remains concerned about LaVar.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 3, 2017
He’s right on both aspects; Ball may not be worth the headache. While Ball’s best comparison seems to be Jason Kidd, there are huge questions surrounding Lonzo’s funky shot form, overall scoring prowess, and laziness on the defensive end.
If the Lakers do pass on Ball, there was a report that De’Aaron Fox and Josh Jackson were extremely high on the team’s radar. John Wall seems to think that Fox could be the best point guard prospect in the entire draft. Jackson, on the other hand, is a pure freak athlete whose potential will be tough to pass on. Don’t sleep on Jayson Tatum from Duke either, who should also be taken within the top five selections. Nevertheless, the 2017 NBA Draft is an extremely deep class that could feature eight or nine future All-Stars.
Ball is set to visit the Lakers June 9 as we will likely learn much more during that time. While this could very well be a rumor, it appears the Lakers will at least do their due diligence on all the available draft prospects. Maybe this report can be used as a scare tactic into getting LaVar Ball to cooperate. Maybe they are also blowing smoke toward the Celtics’ way that they won’t be trading up with the Boston to take Lonzo Ball first overall.
Next: 5 simple ways to tell if you're a Big Baller
With the 2017 NBA Draft set for June 22, a lot can happen between now and then. Los Angeles also holds the 28 pick in the first round in addition to the second overall selection.