July 6th, 2019. This date is bittersweet for fans of the Los Angeles Lakers. This date marks the end of the Anthony Davis saga, with AD landing on the purple and gold. It also marked the date on which the Lakers said goodbye to a significant portion of the much-loved Lakers “young core”. We bid farewell to Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, the 4th overall pick, some significant draft capital, and of course, Lonzo Ball.
During the hard times over the past ten years, Lakers Nation took pride in the development of the draft picks. Not just the high draft picks, Lakers Nation took pride in finding diamonds in the rough. Larry Nance Jr, Thomas Bryant, Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Clarkson, and Josh Hart are some of the players the Lakers found in the late-1st, early-2nd that have gone on to some fantastic careers; with Jordan Clarkson having won 6th man of the year this season.
While fans of the purple and gold are thrilled with the outcome of Anthony Davis on the Lakers and the record-tying 17th NBA Championship, there is some lamenting about not having the young guys on the roster and bearing the fruits of the labor.
One player who could be hugely helpful for the Los Angeles Lakers this upcoming season is former 2nd overall pick, point guard Lonzo Ball.