The NBA Draft is swiftly approaching and it appears that the Los Angeles Lakers are still undecided on who to select with the second overall pick. UCLA guard Lonzo Ball has long been thought to be the favorite, but recent rumors suggest that he is nowhere near the lock that he was once considered to be.
On Wednesday, Ball visited the Lakers and worked out for the team after having dinner with them the night before. Apparently, while Ball didn’t perform poorly in his workout, he also didn’t show the Lakers anything that would seal the deal and make him the second pick, according to Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report:
Lonzo Ball was fine.
He was humble and respectful in conversation over meals.
He shot the ball well on the court.
He very well might be the Los Angeles Lakers’ draft pick in two weeks’ time.
Yet Ball also didn’t blow the Lakers away or seal any deal in the time he spent with their officials Tuesday and Wednesday, according to sources.
It’s not all that surprising that Ball wasn’t overwhelmingly good in his workout, as his primary skills are passing and leadership, two things that are impossible to show in a one-on-none workout. While Ball may or may not be the Lakers’ pick on June 22nd, he was never going to be able to really cement his standing with Los Angeles.
The Lakers also worked out Kansas forward Josh Jackson, who has a very real shot at convincing Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka that he is the man for the job. Jackson is a defensive ace who plays with intensity and passion, a stark contrast to Ball’s smooth, steady play. At this point, the only thing we know for certain is that the Lakers will have an opportunity to add a talented young player in the draft.
Just who that will be is anyone’s guess.