2017 NBA Mock Draft: The best choice each team can make

Despite a number of rumors, the player most commonly linked to the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 2 has been UCLA’s Lonzo Ball. The 6-foot-6 point guard is a hometown kid and an offensive maestro who would certainly be a popular selection. While Ball would almost certainly earn the team a high post-draft grade, Kansas wing Josh Jackson is the Lakers’ best option.

For starters, Jackson is rated as a higher prospect on our big board over at The Step Back. The Lakers, given their current situation, should have relatively few concerns about fit or team need and should simply take the best player available. Our board says that’s Jackson because of his potential to create offense from the wing, defensive versatility and upside if his jumper grows more consistent.

Whereas Ball was lauded for transforming team culture at UCLA because of his willingness to share the rock, Jackson can have a similar impact due to his competitive spirit. The 6-foot-8 wing is regularly lauded for his effort, especially on the defensive end, and his work ethic can have a spillover effect on the rest of the roster. That sounds like a good thing for a team that ranked dead last in defensive rating last season.

Learn more about Josh Jackson at The Step Back.