Los Angeles Lakers: 3 reasons not to draft Lonzo Ball

March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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The only question the Los Angeles Lakers have on their minds heading into the 2017 NBA Draft is, do they draft Lonzo Ball or do they pass on him for another prospect? In the days leading up to June 22nd, there will be many rumors as to whether or not the Los Angeles Lakers will, or will not take LA based super prospect Lonzo Ball. As of now the Lakers currently have the No. 2 pick in the draft. Having that draft spot all but guarantees they will have the option to choose anybody they want. Lonzo Ball was spectacular in college, leading the UCLA Bruins to a NCAA Tournament berth, culminating in a Sweet 16 round loss to the Kentucky Wildcats. It was a big turnaround for UCLA, who won only 15 games the previous season. All throughout the season, his father Lavar Ball said that Lonzo would only play for one team, the Los Angeles Lakers. The talk only ramped up after UCLA was knocked out of postseason play, immediately after the game Lonzo stated that he was going to forgo another collegiate season, because he couldn't pass up the opportunity to play in the NBA. There may be many reasons why the Lakers should draft Lonzo Ball, but there are also plenty of reasons why the team should not draft him.
Jan 19, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) looks to pass against Arizona State Sun Devils guard Kodi Justice (44) in the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The Fit

Even if Lonzo Ball wows the Lakers in his workout on June 7th, the team still has a very tough decision to make. They already have a ball dominant guard in D’Angelo Russell who is looking to make a major leap in productivity in his third NBA season.

Drafting Ball makes Russell have to play more off ball. Something he did more towards the end of the 2016 season, although the Lakers would prefer that he stayed playing point guard, his natural position.

Not only would Ball effect the way that Russell plays, it will also effect Jordan Clarkson. Some will say that Clarkson is replaceable. That may be true. Although somebody has to be the backup guard, don’t they? Clarkson has already shown he is a more than capable backup combo guard.

Would the Lakers really draft a player with the second pick only to have him coming off the bench? Byron Scott would, I doubt the current regime would.