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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 reasons not to draft Lonzo Ball

Eric Brown
Eric Brown

Lake Show Life

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

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

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 picked up after UCLA was knocked out of the tournament. 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. Not too long into the future, the Lakers were big winners in the lottery, moving up to the second pick, putting them squarely in range for Ball.

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. Check out our three reasons why the Lakers should pass on selecting Lonzo Ball second overall.

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.
Mar 4, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Lavar Ball, father of UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2), looks on in the stands before the game between the UCLA Bruins and the Washington State Cougars at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

LaVar Ball

One of the main reasons the Lakers should not draft Lonzo Ball is because of his father, LaVar. No matter how good Lonzo plays, or doesn’t play, LaVar has something to say about the situation. Being in Los Angeles, usually someone who can’t keep their mouth shut and the city do not mix well.

He has made some pretty outrageous statements. The most out of this world statement that he has made is that he could have beaten Michael Jordan 1-on-1, in the prime of their careers. Think about this. A guy who averaged two points and two rebounds at Washington State thinks he could have beaten the greatest to ever pick up a basketball. Laughable.

Magic Johnson has publicly stated that he has no problem with LaVar Ball and his mouth, leading some to think that the team simply doesn’t care about the father. They may be saying that now, will they backtrack when the season starts? Who knows.

Lets take a look at some crazy things Lavar has said.

https://twitter.com/ComplexSneakers/status/871762070206853120

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.

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.
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) takes a shot during warm-ups before the start of a game against the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Shooting Form

When it comes to goofy shooting forms, minds automatically go to Kevin Martin or Shawn Marion. Those two had a couple of the weirdest shooting strokes to ever play in the NBA.

Ball’s shooting form is even more odd than those two, something unimaginable. Despite being right-handed, Ball begins his shot across his body from the left side of his head. He gets it closer to the top of his head upon the release, but it is unorthodox to say the least.

The form may have worked in college, leading him to connect on 41 percent of his shots from three point land. This does not mean it will carry over to NBA success. Odds are, it will not.

He was able to succeed in college with it because the players he was up against are not as physically built, or as advanced defensively. Imagine him trying to use that form against lock down defenders, such as Klay Thompson or Jimmy Butler. It wont fly.

Next: 5 Non-Lonzo Ball Selections For Lakers at No. 2

His shooting form is arguably his biggest question mark on the court. People question his defense, but at 6-feet-6 inches tall he should find some success at that end of the court.

Eric Brown

Eric Brown