Dreams became a reality for former UCLA Bruins star Lonzo Ball when he was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers at number two in the 2017 NBA draft on Thursday night in Brooklyn.

The born-Californian was as eager as anyone to stay home, declining to workout with any other team besides the Lakers during the pre-draft period. Though a dream of many talented and promising college players, the 19-year-old wasn't intrigued by the possibility of going number one overall since the Lakers were destined to take second in the draft. The Ball family, which includes now well-known personality LaVar Ball, made it clear that being taken by the Los Angeles-based franchise is the number one goal and priority.

''Yeah my dream the whole time was to make it to the NBA,'' Ball said, in a radio interview given to the Los Angeles Times Sports. ''When the Lakers came into play with the chance they might get me that kind of boosted everything up. So it's definitely a dream come true and I just want to thank God.''

Ball's immediate impact

LaVar Ball made a bold statement the moments after his son Lonzo Ball got drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, saying the 6ft 6in guard will lead the team to the postseason in his rookie year. The outspoken dad has stayed true to himself as he hasn't lacked confidence in Ball Jr. since his days at UCLA. He had previously claimed that the 19-year-old will lead the UCLA Bruins to the title this past NCAA Tournament, but the Bruins fell short in the Sweet-16 stage to the Kentucky Wildcats.

''Lonzo Ball is going (to) take the Lakers to the playoffs (in) his first year. Come (and) see me when he does,'' Ball Sr. said, when showed on ESPN during the draft.

Ball Jr. embracing the challenge

Explosive guard Lonzo Ball is not interested in backing down in his rookie year as he wants to immediately make an impact on the team and help the Los Angeles Lakers finish in the top-8 in the Western Conference standings.

The Lakers have hit a four-year drought, having not participated in the playoffs since the 2012/2013 season.

Besides Ball, the team currently has heavily promising Brandon Ingram on its roster as well as recently added 2013 All-Star center Brook Lopez, who came in as part of the deal that sent D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets.

Once the team is finished with its offseason acquisitions and signings, their chances of featuring the most important part of the NBA season will get much clearer.

''That's the goal. You don't play to lose. So that's definitely the goal, that's the plan,'' Ball replied, when asked about his dad's comments during the draft night.
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