The Los Angeles Lakers remain open to trading the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft despite reports linking them to former UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball. Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times reported that the Lakers are "taking and making calls about trading the pick”, according to her source. While many reports indicate that the Lakers may take Ball with the No. 2 overall pick, the front office has never affirmed such a move.
Lakers to work out Ball anew on Friday
Earlier, LaVar Ball said his son, Lonzo, will only work out for the Lakers.
That workout happened Monday with the Lakers leaving impressed by Ball’s leadership potential, passing and scoring. However, they expressed concern about his level of conditioning. The Lakers have scheduled another workout with Ball on Friday at an undisclosed location. There is also a possibility that Ball may work out with the Philadelphia 76ers, who own the No. 3 pick in the 2017 Draft.
The Lakers also worked out former Kansas forward Josh Jackson, first in Sacramento and at the Lakers facility on Tuesday. Aside from Ball, the Lakers are also considering Jackson and Kentucky point guard De’Aaron Fox for the second overall pick. Fox already met with the Lakers and worked out with the team Tuesday.
On Thursday, the Lakers will also take a look at Washington point guard Markelle Fultz but he is widely expected to be drafted first overall by the Boston Celtics. Lakers team officials will then decide on their next move before the June 22 NBA Draft. Aside from the No. 2 overall pick, the Lakers also own the 28th pick.
Lakers to trade No. 2 pick for Paul George?
There were reports linking the Lakers to a possible trade with the Indiana Pacers for forward Paul George. The Lakers expressed interest in trading for George before February’s trade deadline. However, the Lakers front office is studying whether to trade for George, who can opt out of his current contract and become a free agent next summer.
According to Nate Taylor of the Indianapolis Star, George plans to remain with the Pacers and play out the remaining year of his contract. Taylor added that George’s desire to win a championship for the Pacers still remains. Notwithstanding George’s pronouncements, the Pacers may trade him in the summer or at any point in the season rather than allow him to walk away as a free agent without getting anything in return. Last season, George played 75 games for the Pacers, averaging 23.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 35.9 minutes of action.
