The Los Angeles Lakers are in a busy part of the offseason. They are prepping their plans for the offseason, with the NBA Draft being the first event. The Lakers have held a number of workouts already with prospects, and more are planned.
The one that seems to be drawing the most attention is Lonzo Ball‘s. The UCLA star point guard has a legitimate shot at being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Washington point guard Markelle Fultz is widely expected to go first overall.
There are a few things that the Lakers are concerned about with Ball, namely his father, LaVar. There is no doubt the skill on the court is there, but there is more that goes into a prospect than their play. Ball had a chance to show that this week during his workout and meeting.
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Ball was with the Lakers earlier this week. He had dinner with President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson, general manager Rob Pelinka, and head coach Luke Walton on Tuesday night. On Wednesday, the much-anticipated workout ensued.
Ball was able to do display his talents for the Lakers on Wednesday during his workout. The same trio was on hand to watch him play, as he also had meetings with the coaching staff and front office personnel planned.
Following the individual workout, Ball met with the media. Multiple topics were discussed during that time, one of which was how Ball felt the workout went. They asked what he thought he did best during the workout, and feedback that he received. The exchange was transcribed from El Segundo from the Lakers official website.
"Q: On his workout with the Lakers:Ball: I thought it was a lot of fun. It got me tired. I’m gonna sleep for the rest of the day.Q: On what he felt he was best at in the workout:Ball: I try not to pick just one thing out of my game. I just try to get the whole thing done, and I’m glad I came in. It was a lot of fun.Q: On what feedback he received after his workout:Ball: Just positive vibes. Like I said, I had a lot of fun. It was great meeting everybody here and very welcoming.Q: On what he thought he did best at in the workout:Ball: Like I said, I can’t pick one thing out. It gets you tired. It’s a lot of fun. Just being able to play basketball at the Lakers’ facility is a blessing.Q: On the feedback he received after the workout:Ball: Like I said, positive feedback. A lot of tips, a lot of helpful hints. I’m just grateful for it."
Ball also mentioned how he was not nervous for the workout, as he does not get nervous playing basketball. He was also asked about the pick-and-roll offense, something that he did not run much while at UCLA.
Like the other questions, he delivered a confident answer. He said that he feels great in the pick-and-roll, citing his ability to read a defense. There is no doubting that, as Ball is an excellent distributor. His size, as he stands 6-feet-6 inches tall, gives him an advantage many other point guards do not have.
Ball also discussed the leadership qualities that he has. It is something he discussed previously with Shams Charania of The Vertical and talked about again with the media after his workout.
"Q: On leadership:Ball: I think a lot of it is natural. I think you’re either born a leader or you’re not.Q: On why the Lakers should draft him:Ball: Like I said, they need a leader. They need a point guard. I feel like I can fill that hole."
Next: Full First Round 2017 NBA Mock Draft
Ball has his shortcomings, like any player; no one is perfect. But he would be an excellent addition to the Lakers backcourt. He could play alongside D’Angelo Russell or Jordan Clarkson, as all three are versatile players.