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Los Angeles Lakers: Rookies do not choose Lonzo Ball for Rookie of the Year

By Nick Ziegler

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Lonzo Ball of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrati during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Lonzo Ball of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrati during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers have one of the favorites to win the Rookie of the Year award in Lonzo Ball. Who do the rookies think will win the award?

With their first of three first round picks in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Lonzo Ball from UCLA. After a strong season at UCLA, Ball came into the draft as one of the best prospects in the 2017 NBA Draft.

After a trade shook up the top of the draft order, the Philadelphia 76ers ended up having the first pick. With that pick, the 76ers decided to take Markelle Fultz from Washington. Ball was then taken second, followed by Jayson Tatum.

Even after the top three picks, there was a lot of talent early on in the draft. Great players like Josh Jackson, De’Aaron Fox, Dennis Smith Jr., and Malik Monk were just a few of the names selected.

Recently, NBA.com polled 39 rookies about who they thought would win the award. To the surprise of some, it was Dennis Smith from Dallas Mavericks that received the most votes.

In the voting, Smith received 25.7 percent of the vote with Ball coming in second at 20.0 percent. Even though Smith wasn’t taken in the top 5 of the draft, many believe that he could be one of the most talented players in the draft class.

With some freakish athletic abilities, Smith can do things on a basketball court that most guards couldn’t dream of. Also, he should have no problem having a solid role for the Mavericks right out of the gate.

Next: Who are the 10 greatest draft picks in franchise history?

Ball will also have a large role as a rookie, as he will be the starting point guard for the Lakers. With both players likely playing large minutes in their rookie seasons, we could see a great battle for the Rookie of the Year award. Since both players are in the Western Conference, the showdowns between Ball and Smith will certainly be must-watch games.

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