The Los Angeles Lakers emerged from the 2017 NBA Draft with All-Star center Brook Lopez and four draft picks ready to make an impact. Alongside No. 2 pick Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma (No. 27), Josh Hart (No. 30) and Thomas Bryant (No. 42) all join an up and coming roster, as a part of the rebuilding franchise.
While the rookies get their contract situation figured out, they continue to practice at the Lakers facility, in lieu of the upcoming 2017 Las Vegas Summer League. The Lakers open their Summer League schedule on July 7, against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Although Jed Buechler will coach the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League team, the rookies can use this time to work alongside head coach Luke Walton, as they attempt to seperate themselves towards a roster spot. The Lakers posted a video of one of the final workouts before they depart for Las Vegas, showing Ball, Hart, Bryant and company live in action:
Good start for the 2017 #LakeShow draft class today! #LakersSummer pic.twitter.com/HLHNWasmGQ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 3, 2017
Declared the next franchise point guard, Ball is first shown dabbling in some ball handling and three-man weave drills. The Los Angeles brass can certainly gauge the competitive spirits of these prospects, in preparation for their first official games together.
The video gives a quick glimpse into the mindset of these rookies, as they get acclimated to the Lakers and their expectations. The adjustment process is a tough one for NBA rookies, configuring their schedules, while also trying to steadily improve with each and every day.
After their first matchup against the Clippers, the Lakers have two more contests in the preliminary stages of the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League. On July 8, Ball and the Lakers will face off against No. 3 pick Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics. After that, they look forward to a July 10 clash against De’Aaron Fox and the Sacramento Kings. The 2017 Las Vegas Summer League will be held at the Thomas & Mack Center, home of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas basketball team.
