On Thursday the Los Angeles Lakers welcomed Washington Markelle Fultz to their El Segundo practice facility for a workout. Fultz is widely believed to be the top prospect in the draft and seems close to a lock to be the top overall pick.
Of course with the NBA Draft there are never any guarantees and Fultz understands that. In fact according to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters, that is one of the main reasons he decided to workout for the Lakers:
“I think it was a family decision, just going through it, getting every opportunity, you never know where I might land, so just wanted to see how it is out here.”
Of course the chances of Fultz dropping to the Lakers seem relatively slim and Fultz even admitted that, as a competitor, he would like to be the top pick via Lakers Nation’s Ryan Ward:
Markelle Fultz: “I would like to go No. 1…”
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) June 15, 2017
Being the first pick in the NBA Draft is a dream of most players so Fultz preferring that makes a ton of sense. Lonzo Ball may have openly stated that he would rather play for the Lakers than be the top pick, but he is more of an exception than the norm.
In all likelihood Fultz will get his wish. The Washington product enjoyed an excellent individual season even if the team had a terrible record. There is very little he can’t do on the court.
What the Lakers do at number two is still a major question mark as they are reportedly split between Lonzo Ball and Josh Jackson. Additionally there are rumors that they have been engaging in trade talks involving the pick.
The Lakers remain an unknown only one week ahead of the draft, but if the Celtics were to surprisingly pass on Fultz, it’s hard to envision the Lakers passing on him.