Family affair: Lakers grab Lonzo Ball with 2nd overall pick

Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Earvin “Magic” Johnson didn’t mince words when asked about why they traded point guard D’Angelo Russell – the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft – to the Brooklyn Nets this week. If his elite court vision translates to the pros, the Lakers are going to be a tough team to beat in transition. A 6-foot-10 forward/center from Corona, Calif., Anigbogu shot 56.4 percent from the field (57 for 101). Will his unorthodox shot release work in the National Basketball Association? “That was the team I thought I had the best vibe with, and I wanted to be a Laker“. At best, you get a guy that falls a few spots because of a series of unimpressive pre-draft workouts or concerning physicals. He evoked the names of some of the NBA’s finest players. It is not an easy process, and Ball was heavily scrutinized during it. His rights were sent to the Los Angeles Lakers for the rights to North Carolina center Tony Bradley, who was taken at No. 28, and the rights to Indiana’s Thomas Bryan, who was taken at No. 42.

“I’m coming here with a winning attitude, and hopefully I can add to the team”, Ball said.

It is indeed too early to talk about the NBA Playoffs, but Ball will be Ball. “It’s going to be a surprise for you guys and me”. I kind of patterned my game after that.

Ball and Leaf, freshmen at UCLA in 2016-17, were each selected in the first round. He is an excellent distributor and likes getting his teammates involved.

The former Washington point guard averaged 23.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists in 25 games.

With all the tools that the Lakers have, Ball will have plenty of options when running the point. “You couldn’t tell by his reaction, but he was really relieved for his parents”. “I remember being in the SUV with Earvin the day the lottery balls came out”. Jackson, who played just one season at Duke, was taken with the 31st overall pick by Charlotte, but was then traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.

“He’ll be a superstar, but with him, the criteria for superstar – that box will have to be altered a bit”. Among the players who can or will be unrestricted free agents next summer include George, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant and DeAndre Jordan. “He’s a much better offensive player than he was at the beginning of last season”. But, Ball is supremely talented and has a chance to become a star for the Lakers.