NBA Draft rumors: Los Angeles Lakers ‘closer and closer’ to picking Lonzo Ball

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly moving closer and closer to taking Lonzo Ball with the second pick in the NBA Draft.

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly moving “closer and closer” to picking UCLA guard Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick in Thursday’s draft. The news comes via ESPN’s Chad Ford.

The Lakers had Ball back for a second workout on Friday. Following the workout, Ball sat down with president Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka. While the Philadelphia 76ers acquired the No. 1 overall pick from the Boston Celtics over the weekend to take Markelle Fultz, the Lakers have been weighing their options at #2. De’Aaron Fox and Josh Jackson are also being considered by the Lakers. Lonzo reportedly didn’t impress in his first workout, which led the Lakers to look at Fox and Jackson as possible options.

Lonzo’s desire to play with for L.A. isn’t exactly a secret at this point. Lavar, Lonzo’s father, nearly threw a party when the Lakers won the second overall pick in the draft lottery and has said that Lonzo would only work out for the Los Angeles club. Lonzo’s recent Father’s Day commercial and open letter to his dad may have won him with Lakers Nation who were worried that Lavar’s brash personality would get in the way of his son’s talent.

Los Angeles hold the keys to the entire draft on Thursday. They can either maintain the status quo, take Lonzo, and pave the way for the Celtics to take Josh Jackson. Or, they can snag Jackson, who the Celtics traded back to No. 3 for, from Boston and cause a social media riot. Or, they can entice the Indianapolis Pacers with the No. 2 pick for Paul George, who is likely headed to Los Angeles in 2018 anyway. They’re also looking to acquire another lottery pick ahead of the draft.

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