Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

2017 NBA Draft- Annual Editor’s Mock Draft

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lonzo Ball
Mar 24, 2017; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) drives to the basket past Kentucky Wildcats guard De’Aaron Fox (0). Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Point Guard. UCLA. Lonzo Ball. 2. player. 20.

Team Needs:

Defense, defense, and some more defense. Lakers ranked 30th at year-end allowing 111.5 points per game. Moreover, LA ranked 28th in blocks and 26th in defensive rebounding (23rd in defensive rebound percent). Additionally, the Lakers need consistent scorers and more playmakers to capitalize on Luke Walton’s expertise.

Free Agents:

  • Tyler Ennis – UFA
  • Metta World Peace – UFA
  • Thomas Robinson – UFA
  • Nick Young – UFA

Roster Gaps:

Defensive minded players, rim protectors, 2-way players, ball handlers, shot creators, and players who provide demonstrative leadership skills.

Lonzo Ball:

As for Lonzo Ball  our draft prospect preview outlined his skills:

"A pass first point guard, who excels in transition. Ball fits what Luke Walton wants to do in LA far better than D’Angelo Russell. Still, there is potential for Walton to experiment with two point guards on the court with Russell being more of a shoot first player. At 6’7″ Ball has the benefit of seeing the floor better than his shorter counterparts and his high basketball I.Q. only serves to punctuate this asset. Both Fultz and Ball have been credited with their ability to play beyond their years."

Overview and Ball Fit:

Leading up to the draft there has been plenty of drama in La La land. Showtime’s lead conductor is back at the helm and whether you like the move to ship out D’Angelo Russell or not it was smart. Russell never completely took to his role whether that falls on the youngster or circumstance. A change of scenery will do him good and landing with the steadying forces of Sean Marks and Kenny Atkinson will serve him well.

Regardless of whether it pays dividends immediately or not, Magic Johnson got rid of the albatross Timofey Mozgov salary. Taking back Brook Lopez is a short-term situation with a long-term gain.  He’ll be a free agent at next season’s end opening valuable cap space at precisely the time LA will be hunting to add not one, but two superstars.

As for Ball, there has been more than ample conjecture to suggest he wasn’t Magic’s man. Between showing up out of shape and suggestions his skillset is more lacking than originally advertised, the Big Baller family got dealt a dose of reality. In hindsight, perhaps the whole thing was simply to put LaVar in check. After all Magic Johnson is the master of setting up the play.

Ultimately, Lonzo and Luke will be a marriage made in heaven, at least offensively. Look to selections 27 and 28 for improvements on the other side of the court.

One parting thought on Ball, he should thank his lucky stars De’Aaron Fox doesn’t have a consistent shot yet, because he embodies the Laker identity to a tee.

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