2017 NBA Draft: 3 bold predictions for Los Angeles Lakers
Jordan Bell
Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
With the 2017 NBA Draft a few weeks away, now seems like the right time to make some bold predictions for how things will play out for the Los Angeles Lakers.
We're now into June, and the 2017 NBA Draft is only three weeks away. The Los Angeles Lakers own two first round picks, and have certainly been busy trying to figure out what to do with them. If my bold predictions pan out, though, they'll be very happy with the end results.
Realistically, there are many different directions the Lakers can go on draft day. Magic Johnson will be looking to make the most of the team's current assets, while also building for a brighter future. That could entail trading up to get a player he really likes, or trading down/out if it means improving the club's financial situation.
Either way, expect the Lakers to be active on June 22. It's going to be a big night for one of the NBA's most storied franchises, especially considering they currently own the No. 2 overall pick. And we can't forget that there's plenty of potential to be had with the No. 28 overall selection as well. Just look at the Lakers' last two picks in the 27-32 range if you're not convinced.
For now, though, all we can do is wait and speculate. Then again, that's why you're here reading this.
So without further ado, let's take a look at my bold predictions for the Lakers during the 2017 NBA Draft. Just remember that these are meant to push the limits of logic, and aren't necessarily meant as hard predictions for what will happen on draft night.
Markelle Fultz
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Lakers watch Markelle Fultz fall into their laps
It all starts with the Boston Celtics pulling off a shocker with the selection of Lonzo Ball. It seems crazy considering the UCLA point guard hasn't shown much interest in going to Boston (via ESPN's Chris Forsberg), but for some reason, Danny Ainge deems him the right choice at No. 1 overall.
That means the Lakers get the opportunity to land the 2017 draft class' top talent, Markelle Fultz. And boy, what a start for Magic's tenure as the shot-caller in Los Angeles. He lucks his way into one of the top guard prospects in recent memory, and doesn't even have to give up any additional assets to do so.
Although most folks agree that Fultz is the top talent this year, there are a select few who prefer Ball. He's more of a true facilitator, and may offer slightly more efficiency from a shooting standpoint. While Ball obviously has his fair share of red flags, maybe Ainge sees something in the former Bruin that others don't.
Either way, it gets the Lakers their superstar in the making. That doesn't necessarily mean they need to trade D'Angelo Russell away either. Instead, Los Angeles can bump D-Lo down to the 2-spot, inserting Fultz as the on-ball guard. Jordan Clarkson then returns to the sixth man role in which he shined this past season.
This is obviously an unlikely scenario, but not impossible. These are bold predictions after all, and taking Ball at No. 1 would be a bold move by the Celtics.
Timofey Mozgov
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Timofey Mozgov gets dealt along with No. 28 pick
Not only does Magic get the draft's best player, but he also gets one step closer to securing Paul George next offseason. As crazy as it seems, the Lakers find a desperate trade partner willing to take on Timofey Mozgov and his gaudy contract.
Here's the scenario: someone like T.J. Leaf or Luke Kennard slides to No. 28. With that type of upside on the board at the end of the first round, someone decides they aren't going to miss an opportunity to draft a potential star. So they call up the Lakers, and offer to take Mozgov off their hands if they can have the pick too.
While there's plenty of value at No. 28 overall, getting rid of the $16 million Mozgov is owed annually is worth more. Not only does it rid the Lakers of the previous regime's biggest mistake, but it paves the way for a PG-13 signing in 2018. With the added cap flexibility, getting him under contract next offseason becomes even easier.
Yes, the move leaves the Lakers a little thin at center. Ivica Zubac assumes the starter role, with Tarik Black providing depth (if the team picks up his option for 2018). By getting rid of the $16 million, Los Angeles can use a small portion of that money to sign another big man during free agency.
My final prediction will also provide some support for the Lakers' frontcourt.
Jordan Bell
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Lakers trade into second round for Jordan Bell
The great thing about the NBA Draft is it's very easy (in a sense) to get second round picks if you're willing to pay up. Take Jordan Clarkson for example. In 2014, the Lakers acquired the No. 46 pick (which was used on Clarkson) from the Washington Wizards for cash considerations.
Why can't they do something similar in 2017?
After dealing their No. 28 pick, the Lakers decide to get back into the fun by trading for a second round selection. They then use that pick to acquire Jordan Bell, an exciting big man out of Oregon with all of the athleticism in the world. While not a sure-fire star, there are some that see him as a Draymond Green in the making.
The former Duck is a tremendous athlete who doesn't fit the prototype of a power forward or center. Although a bit lacking in height, he wins with effort, strength and tenacity. To top of it, he's an outstanding presence on the defensive end–something the Lakers absolutely need more of moving forward.
So that's why Los Angeles moves up to snag him in, likely, the 35-40 range. He's not going to come as cheap as Clarkson did, but Bell will be well worth the investment. With him providing depth behind Zubac, this young frontcourt can start to take shape. More importantly, the Lakers defense gets some much needed love.
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