The top of the 2017 NBA Draft has been shaken up by the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, but the Los Angeles Lakers have the same picks in Chad Ford’s recent mock draft.
The Los Angeles Lakers are going to be busy on Thursday night. The Lakers own two selections in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft. They will be selecting second and 28th overall, for now.
There are rumors floating around that the Lakers are trying to acquire yet another pick in the first round. Not only are they looking to acquire another pick, they are aiming high, as they have called two teams in the lottery.
It should be noted that the Lakers are looking to add to their two draft picks, not just move up in the draft. Having more than two first round selections could mean the Lakers have bigger plans up their sleeve; maybe a bigger trade to land Paul George?
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Whatever the Lakers plan is heading into the draft, they will be active on draft night. Whether it be via trade or just selecting prospects, Los Angeles will have some new players in the fold Thursday night.
Mock drafts will be prevalent leading up to the draft. Things are already changing with the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers confirming their blockbuster trade involving the No. 1 pick today.
With a few days until the draft, things could always change again. For now, Chad Ford has updated his NBA Mock Draft, but things have stayed the same for the Lakers. In his recent mock draft, Ford has the Lakers sticking with UCLA point guard, Lonzo Ball, with the second overall pick.
Here is part of what Ford had to say about the pick.
"With Fultz likely going No. 1 to Philly, the field narrows down to Ball, Jackson, Tatum and Fox here. Sources in L.A. say that the Lakers have been moving closer and closer to selecting Ball in the past 48 hours. More than ever, he’s the heavy favorite to get his wish to play for his hometown team."
Ford also notes that things could change if the Lakers get serious about trading for George. A number of teams could be in the running for George, but none will have an asset such as the second overall pick to offer. George reportedly wants to play for the Lakers, so offering the No. 2 pick seems excessive, but if the Lakers want to get a deal done as soon as possible, the second overall pick should do it.
If the Lakers hold onto the pick, Ball would be an excellent selection. His passing ability and range on his jump shot are two things the Lakers could really need. A backcourt trio of D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, and Ball would be a great building block for the Lakers.
Along with Ball, Ford has the Lakers selecting versatile Michigan forward, D.J. Wilson. Here is what Ford had to say about picking Wilson.
"The Lakers are said to be high on this high-flying stretch-4.When Wilson isn’t boarding above the rim or launching 3-pointers, there isn’t a lot to his game, but those two attributes can get a player into the first round."
Wilson would give the Lakers another versatile forward in the front court along with Larry Nance Jr. He has rim-protecting skills are solid and he has a budding perimeter game. He could develop into a good stretch-four, something the Lakers are currently lacking.
Next: Full First Round 2017 NBA Mock Draft
Landing Ball and Wilson would provide the Lakers with two more solid building blocks for the future. The Lakers rebuild is moving well and these two would be the latest additions to a solid young team.