Los Angeles Lakers: Latest draft, free agency rumors you need to know
LeBron James
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
The rumor mill has been whipping up some intriguing information about the Los Angeles Lakers and their plans for the 2017 NBA Draft and free agency.
The offseason hasn't even really begun, and things have already gotten hectic for the Los Angeles Lakers. Between all of the rumors about their plans for the 2017 NBA Draft and free agency, it's been a wild past couple of months for the Lake Show.
If you think it's been bad, though, wait until you see what's in store in the coming months. No matter how the draft plays out, there's going to be significant fallout.
If Lonzo Ball is selected, you're sure to hear plenty of talk about how he fits into the picture as well as what the plan is for D'Angelo Russell. Maybe the Lakers go a different direction at No. 2, which would open up a whole different can of worms. Either way, that leads into further conversation about how Magic Johnson and Co. can improve this roster more via trade/free agency.
One way or another, this is going to be a crazy next few months for the Lakers. They may be a team stuck in rebuild mode, but they'll easily be one of the most worthwhile storylines of the 2017 offseason. Then again, it's not like we really expect anything less from this franchise.
For now, though, all we can do is listen to and digest what the rumor mill churns out. With that in mind, here are the latest rumors regarding the Lakers' approach to the 2017 NBA Draft and a blockbuster signing that could take place not too far down the road.
Lonzo Ball
Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Lonzo Ball didn't "blow the Lakers away"
In a way, we should have known this was coming.
There's been so much hype over the last month or so about the Lakers landing Ball with the 2017 NBA Draft's second pick. All the talk has been about how Ball's father wants him to be a Laker, and about how big of an impact the local product would have on this franchise.
And yet, not many considered the fact that Los Angeles might not be all that impressed with the former Bruin. Well, it may be time to consider it, because Ball didn't exactly knock the team's socks off during his recent visit/workout (via Bleacher Report's Kevin Ding).
"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."
Honestly, it doesn't come as a huge surprise to me. As I've already pinpointed, Ball has some weaknesses to his game. There's also the part about his father being an egotistical control freak whose shortcomings have likely rubbed off on his eldest son. I could imagine that arrogance/overconfidence having played a part in the Lakers not being blown away.
At this point, there's no clear answer to the question of who the Lakers will take at No. 2. I'm guessing the uncertainty was intensified following Ball's time with team officials. Then again, maybe they'll get way too lucky and the Boston Celtics will make the decision for them…
Markelle Fultz
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Lakers keeping Markelle Fultz on their radar
Wishful thinking aside, the odds are heavily stacked in favor of the Celtics selecting Markelle Fultz at No. 1 overall. That's been the consensus since the lottery, and I sincerely don't see that changing anytime before June 22.
It likely didn't make the Lakers feel any better when Fultz claimed he wouldn't be working out for any team other than Boston. However, as Mike Bresnahan pointed out, Los Angeles is still holding out hope they can meet with the dynamic Washington guard in some capacity.
The team's interest is warranted, clearly. Fultz, by most accounts, is the best available player in the 2017 draft class. Not only is he an elite scoring prospect, but he appears to have the whole package — size, athleticism, defense, etc. Any NBA team would love to have this guy on their roster. So why would the Celtics pass on him?
They shouldn't, but stranger things have happened in this league. Maybe their recent meeting with Fultz didn't go quite as planned. Maybe general manager Danny Ainge really likes Ball, even though he declined to meet with Boston (via ESPN). It's all highly unlikely, but I wouldn't go as far as calling it impossible.
So yes, the Lakers are patiently waiting to see how things play out. Because if Fultz falls to No. 2, I'm very confident Magic won't hesitant to pull the trigger and draft the former Husky.
LeBron James
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James coming to City of Angels?
You've probably all heard about this by now, but it's still worth mentioning.
On Wednesday, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor reported that LeBron James would consider signing with the Lakers when he fits free agency in 2018. On the surface, it seems like a pipe dream. However, O'Connor laid out some pretty solid reasoning as to why it may be legit.
Then there was this little tidbit, which flew under the radar (although it should be taken with a grain of salt):
To add to @KevinOConnorNBA's LeBron report earlier, I'm hearing Jeanie Buss and Maverick Carter have meet three times in the last few months
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) June 8, 2017
If that is true, it certainly adds some intrigue to the situation. At the same time, they could have been talking about a number of things. LeBron is a business man, and owns real estate in Los Angeles. Maybe the two were simply discussing some potential non-NBA business ventures?
Either way, it's absolutely of note. If James really is serious about taking his talents westward, it could be a huge opportunity for the Lakers to return to relevance. Teaming him with Paul George would instantly make this roster a contender, although I'd still be wary of their ability to take down the Golden State Warriors.
It's anyone's guess what will happen next offseason. Realistically, it's not even guaranteed that George will sign with the Lakers. For now, though, the speculation will continue to run rampant as LA fans dream about the possibility of watching LeBron light up Staples Center while wearing purple and gold.
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