Lonzo Ball put himself back on top of the Los Angeles Lakers’ draft wish list after a strong performance in his second workout. Unfortunately for the Ball Family, he’s no longer a lock to go out as the no.2 pick in this year’s draft as the Lakers are closely looking at another can’t miss prospect in Josh Jackson of Kansas.
Sources and details:
With the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers agreeing to swap this year’s no.1 and three first-round picks this weekend, all eyes are now on Lakers president Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka as they make their decision with the no.2 pick.
According to ESPN Los Angeles correspondent Ramona Shelburne, Ball second workout with Johnson and Pelinka in attendance ended up well as the UCLA Bruins star managed to display better conditioning than he showed in his first workout session with the team.
However, there’s no longer assurance Ball will end up with the Lakers since they also have an interest in Jackson.
The Mind Games before the draft:
The Sixers pulled off a power move leading up to the draft after sending this year’s no.3 pick and the Lakers’ 2018 first-round pick / the Kings’ 2019 first-round pick to be in position to select Fultz. Philadelphia’s front office made a decision to trade up for the Washington star after a strong private workout with the team last week.
The Sixers, on top of their no.3 pick, will be sending the Lakers’ 2018 pick it acquired from the Phoenix Suns at the 2015 trade deadline. But if that Lakers' pick doesn't fall between No. 2 and No. 5 in the 2018 draft, sources say, Philadelphia will instead send a 2019 first-rounder to Boston that it acquired from the Sacramento Kings,” according to the Undefeated Marc J.
Spears.
The Celtics are expected to use the no.3 pick for Jackson, but the Lakers could play a spoiler’s role in this scenario by opting to pick Jackson, who is considered as the prospect with the highest ceiling in this draft class because of his athleticism and two-way potential. If that happens, the Celtics might be compelled to select Ball at no.3.
The Celtics were previously high on selecting Fultz but then decided to trade down following Jackson’s private workout with the team.
On the side-notes:
Ball penned a Father’s Day letter dedicated to his dad LaVar Ball. In his essay published by the Players’ Tribune, Lonzo defended LaVar from criticism of being a staged parent and how his father shaped him into one of the best prospects in this year’s draft.
