The Los Angeles Lakers understand the importance of the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft, securing the No. 2 pick and also holding the No. 28 pick in the first round. With no pick next year, Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka know they must nail this top selection.
Once the Lakers captured the No. 2 pick in the draft, all signs pointed towards the Lakers taking UCLA and California product Lonzo Ball. However, an underwhelming lack of conditioning has rumors swirling that the Lakers are considering all options.
With the 2017 NBA Draft set for June 22, Los Angeles has just 10 days to analyze the possible prospects. According to Steve Kyler of BasketballInsiders.com, the Lakers still remain torn on all fronts and have no clear-cut front-runner:
The narrative surrounding the Lakers is they are still evaluating options. According to sources close to the process, some inside the decision-making circle have their favorites, but there does not seem to be anything close to a front-runner.
Recent mock drafts have Ball, De’Aaron Fox and Josh Jackson as the top targets for the Lakers, with their own style of play and strengths. Los Angeles is holding Fox’s workout on Tuesday, as the last of the three to give a first-hand workout.
Los Angeles had a meeting with the UCLA brass to get an in-depth discussion about Ball and get a better understanding from others who have experienced his arsenal first hand. The Lakers have to also entertain the possibility of trading the pick, should a better situation arise.
Jackson’s workout in Sacramento in front of L.A. brass reportedly went very well, opening the door as another possible forward that can shine at Staples Center. In fact, they have scheduled a second workout with Jackson, with reports swirling he has a promise in place.
The 6’8, 203 pound forward averaged 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists during his freshman campaign, shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from three-point range in his lone season at Kansas.