The Los Angeles Lakers upcoming decision on the No. 2 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft is a pivotal one, with implications for the future of this team and the direction they are headed in. While the initial reaction pointed towards Lonzo Ball, other prospects such as Josh Jackson, De’Aaron Fox and Markelle Fultz changed the though process of the Lakers brass.
Ball underwhelmed in his first private workout with the organization, with the team stating that he appeared to be out of shape. Although Ball has a second workout and meeting scheduled for Friday, the Lakers have to continue shopping around and analyzing all possible scenarios.
Rumors not too long ago stated that the Lakers are torn between Ball and Jackson, presuming that Fultz would go first overall to the Boston Celtics. However, recent reports indicate that Jackson also was sub-par during his workout with the Lakers, via Jonathan Givony of Draft Express:
Also was told that Josh Jackson's workout in LA "did not go well at all." Brought high energy but struggled with his shooting and handle.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 16, 2017
The hype is certainly heating up, with the NBA Draft scheduled for June 22. With less than a week left, all lottery teams are certainly entertaining calls for their own pick.
Recent news indicate that the Philadelphia 76ers and Celtics are discussing a potential swap of picks, while the Lakers are entertaining the thought of trading Julius Randle and their No. 2 pick in order to move up.
Fultz is the presumed No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, but the Celtics seem to be shopping around and listening to offers. With both Ball and Jackson not living up to the Lakers standards, Magic Johnson certainly has to ponder another option outside of the No. 2 pick.
Jackson originally stated that he and Brandon Ingram could form a special tandem, with Jackson fitting into the prototypical style of today’s up-tempo and athletic wings. However, his hype and excitement going in may have backfired during the workout.
More rumors will certainly follow in these next few days, which should give a clearer indication of which way teams are leaning. While all these news may be a smokescreen for the Lakers, Johnson and Rob Pelinka deserve praise for considering all the different scenarios.