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Los Angeles Lakers select Lonzo Ball, D.J. Wilson in recent Chad Ford mock draft

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 1, 2017; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) reacts during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa won 86-83 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Iowa City, IA, USA; Michigan Wolverines forward D.J. Wilson (5) reacts during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa won 86-83 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Los Angeles Lakers selected Lonzo Ball and D.J. Wilson in Chad Ford’s most recent mock draft on ESPN.

The Los Angeles Lakers will have some big decisions to make during the 2017 NBA Draft. The Lakers own two first-round picks, No. 2 and No. 28 overall. The Lakers will have an excellent chance of adding some impact talent to push their rebuild forward.

There are a number of ways the Lakers can go. They can keep the picks and make the selections for themselves. They could try and package picks with players to unload some salary. Or could the Lakers make their move now and land someone such as Paul George to improve their chances of signing LeBron James, who would reportedly consider joining the Lakers, next offseason?

It will be interesting to keep an eye on. If the Lakers hold onto both picks, they will land someone they like. Washington point guard Markelle Fultz is thought to be the No. 1 prospect in this year’s class. He is widely expected to be selected by the Boston Celtics first overall.

That would put the Lakers on the clock. Do they go with UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball? Early on, it seemed that would be the case without a doubt. But, as we have gotten closer to the NBA Draft, the Lakers have seemed to sour on Ball as a prospect for a few reasons.

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This could all be some posturing from the Lakers. At this time of year, there are a lot of smokescreens thrown out by teams, for a number of reasons. It could be to drive up the price for a trade. Or, to throw teams off the trail of a prospect you want to select.

Whatever the case may be, a lot of people don’t buy it. Many people believe the Lakers will still select Ball with the second overall pick. One of those people is ESPN’s, Chad Ford.

In his latest mock draft, Ford has the Lakers selecting Ball with the second overall pick. Here is what Ford had to say about the selection.

"The Lakers are going out of their way to stifle talk that Ball to L.A. is a done deal. Partially it’s about controlling the narrative and their draft destiny, but it’s also around some genuine disagreements in the front office about who’s the best pick for the Lakers’ future.Fox and Jackson have a real shot at going No. 2. Ball is the favorite, but he’s far from a lock."

That was the news following Ball’s workout last week. Ball reportedly didn’t seal the deal for the Lakers, leaving open the possibility of another prospect passing him on their board. Josh Jackson was mentioned as a potential option. Keep an eye on De’Aaron Fox as well.

The second overall pick has garnered a lot of attention. It could really shake up the top of the 2017 NBA Draft depending on what the Lakers do. While everyone focuses on the second overall pick, the Lakers have another selection later on.

With the 28th overall pick, Ford has the Lakers selecting Michigan forward, D.J. Wilson. Here is what Ford had to say about this selection.

"The Lakers are said to be high on this high-flying stretch-4.When Wilson isn’t boarding above the rim or launching 3s, there isn’t a lot to his game, but those two attributes can get a player into the first round."

Wilson was inconsistent at times with Michigan but came on strong at the end of the season. The Versatile forward was a driving force behind the team’s improbable run through the Big-10 tournament and NCAA Tournament; the Wolverines made it all the way to the Sweet 16.

Wilson was seldom used during his freshman and sophomore season but produced when given a chance as a junior. He showcases a lot of tools that NBA scouts will like.

Offensively, he has some range. He can shoot three-pointers and is athletic enough to get to the rim. He isn’t a force on offense, but he can get the job done when asked. Defensively, and on the glass, is where he shines.

Wilson has a great motor, which helps in both defense and rebounding. He is aggressive when going after rebounds, which is great to see. Defensively, his size and athleticism give him versatility. He is listed at 6-feet-11 inches and has excellent length with a 7-feet-3 inch wingspan.

That wingspan enables him to rebound well, but also protect the rim. He could be a versatile chess piece for Luke Walton in lineups. He and Larry Nance Jr. could give opponents fits offensively given their skill sets that play well on the perimeter and around the basket.

Next: Full First Round 2017 NBA Mock Draft

Wilson would be a solid addition to the Lakers second unit off the bat. He has the potential and skills to succeed in today’s positionless NBA given his size and versatility. At No. 28, he would be a good selection given his ceiling.

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