With the NBA draft just around the corner, there has been no shortage of reports surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers and who they might take with their second overall pick.
It was initially reported that the Los Angeles Lakers have been set on drafting UCLA’s Lonzo Ball since the beginning of the season. Now reports are surfacing of how the Lakers are also heavily considering Kansas’ Josh Jackson after bringing him in for a second workout. With the Lakers seemingly split on whether to select Ball or Jackson the choice may come down to a classic case of past vs. present.
Case for Lonzo Ball
Back in the 1980’s and 1990’s the NBA point guard’s main priority was to get his teammates involved. Players like Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, and Jason Kidd were dominant players who prioritized passing the ball over scoring the ball.
Fast-forward to today’s NBA and you will see a completely different story. Players like Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving represent the new breed of point guard in the NBA and will often shoot the ball 20 to 30 times per game.
This brings me to Lonzo Ball who represents an entirely different type of point guard. While Ball’s unselfish style represents the traditional point guard his scoring ability represents the modern NBA point guard.
Ball will push the ball in transition like Jason Kidd one play, then shoot the ball from 30 feet like Stephen Curry the next play. There has never been a player like Ball ever in the NBA so it will be interesting to see how his style translates.
Case for Josh Jackson
Ever heard the saying “it’s a point guard’s league” when referring to today’s NBA? That statement is one of the biggest misconceptions in the sport.
While guard play in the NBA may be the most competitive it’s ever been, the most dominant players in the league are two-way wing players. This is evidenced by the fact that the last five finals MVPs were won by Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Andre Iguodala, and Kawhi Leonard.
This argument may sway the Lakers to buy into the potential of Josh Jackson. Jackson projects as the prototypical swingman in today’s game with his incredible two-way versatility.
A Jackson-Ingram pairing has the potential to wreak havoc on the defensive side of the ball. If Jackson’s jump shot was slightly more consistent he would easily be the favorite to go first overall.
No Wrong Answer
The Lakers already possess a modern day point guard in D’Angelo Russell and a modern day forward in Brandon Ingram. The battle for the number two pick then comes down to which prospect fills the most glaring needs for the team.
The Lakers were 26th in the league in assists per game, an area which Ball figures to contribute a great deal. They were also the 28th ranked defense in the league which is an area that Jackson would certainly improve. In my opinion, a backcourt of Ball and Russell would be dynamic offensively but struggle defensively. With two-guards like Klay Thompson and James Harden in the western conference perhaps Jackson is the safer pick.
Next: Who do the Lakers land in our complete first round mock draft?
If Jackson was able to showcase his improved shooting in individual workouts with the Lakers’ brass then maybe he truly does have the lead on Ball. However, if Ball can prove that he has elite defensive potential in his workouts then maybe he has the edge. Whoever the Lakers select, both prospects fill needs and would shape the identity of this team for years to come.