Los Angeles Lakers: Re-drafting the 2017 NBA Draft

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: Front Row (L-R) - OG Anunoby, Dennis Smith, Malik Monk, Luke Kennard, Lonzo Ball, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Markelle Fultz, De'aaron Fox, Frank Ntilikina, Justin Jackson, Back Row (L-R) Bam Adebayo, Jonathan Isaac, Justin Patton, Lauri Markkanen, Jayson Tatum, Josh Jackson, Zach Collins, Donovan Mitchell and TJ Leaf pose for a portrait prior to the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler /NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images /

Original No. 2 Pick: PG Lonzo Ball

New No. 2 Pick: PG Markelle Fultz

In this redraft, Donovan Mitchell goes first overall to the Philadelphia 76ers. Instead of taking Ball again, Bleacher Report re-drafts Markelle Fultz, the actual No. 1 overall pick, to the Lakers.

This is a somewhat surprising selection in the re-draft. Fultz played in only 14 games in his rookie season as he was dealing with a shoulder injury. Videos constantly surfaced about his shooting form, which made Ball’s unorthodox form look good. The potential is still there, which Fultz showcased when he became the youngest player to triple-double in NBA history.

Given his shortcomings offensively, right now, it can be argued that Ball would be the right pick even in this re-draft. Ball’s playmaking was unbelievable throughout the season and his defense was better than anticipated.

Instead of the Lakers landing Ball, he slipped to No. 4 in the redraft to the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix finally gets the point guard that they covet and a very good one at that. Ball’s decision making and playmaking is something plenty of teams could use.

For the Lakers, given Brandon Ingram’s presence on the roster, Jayson Tatum and Josh Jackson wouldn’t really fit. So the selection of Fultz makes sense, but his rookie season left a lot to be desired. He could still turn into the best player in this draft, but he has to get over the mental hurdles with his jump shot first, something Ball knows all too well also.

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