2017 Lakers Draft Pick Discussion

[Slava]

Woj said UCLA gave Lavar 3 things that he should never do and to his credit he never violated them. I think Lakers need to do something similar.

[Kinglee]

Out of curiosity...I know Magic Johnson want Ball, but do y'all as fans actually want Ball over Fultz?

[Kinglee]

Woj said UCLA gave Lavar 3 things that he should never do and to his credit he never violated them. I think Lakers need to do something similar.

What were the 3 things? I think once Ball get to the NBA his father would take a step back. Dealing with a college and a professional team are two totally different things. The NBA is a job.

[Slava]

Out of curiosity...I know Magic Johnson want Ball, but do y'all as fans actually want Ball over Fultz?

We're working under the idea that fultz will be picked #1.

[Slava]

Woj said UCLA gave Lavar 3 things that he should never do and to his credit he never violated them. I think Lakers need to do something similar.

What were the 3 things? I think once Ball get to the NBA his father would take a step back. Dealing with a college and a professional team are two totally different things. The NBA is a job.

I think it was something like never criticize the coach or program publicly and a few other such things.

[Spens1]

Out of curiosity...I know Magic Johnson want Ball, but do y'all as fans actually want Ball over Fultz?

despite Ball being an almost certainty.

I would take Fultz.

Honestly his shooting and the fact he isn't that far behind Lonzo in other areas (passing aside, but even then Fultz is a great passer regardless) has me sold on him. I think from day 1 he becomes the franchise player really and could be a rookie who puts 18PPG from the get go for us.

A backcourt of him and Russell would probably go for about 30-35PPG immediately and would be able to play the system nicely. Could be our answer to the splash bros.

[Spens1]

at 28 what position are we even going for?

Do we go for a center again. P.F to give Randle a scare (he needs it, maybe he'll find consistency) or some kind of bench wing.

[Slava]

Those close to the UCLA program are well aware that Lonzo is completely different from his father, perhaps not surprising considering one giant personality leaves little room for other such personalities in a single household.

Not only is Lonzo dissimilar from his father, he is also dissimilar from most 5-star, future pro basketball sensations who arrive on campus feeling as if they are gifts who should be wrapped up in bows.

"Considerate, not entitled" is the description one source used to describe the impression Ball left on everyone around the UCLA basketball program.

Even more important to NBA scouts is Ball's dedication to his craft.

"In the recent years of UCLA basketball, the only player who worked harder on his game was Russ Westbrook the summer between his freshman and sophomore seasons," the source said.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2710164-lakers-seem-sold-on-uclas-lonzo-ball-so-long-as-he-can-sell-himself-to-them

[Slava]

at 28 what position are we even going for?

Do we go for a center again. P.F to give Randle a scare (he needs it, maybe he'll find consistency) or some kind of bench wing.

If Adebayo or Giles(even with his knee frailties) is available you pick them and let Robinson/Black walk or else pick the best possible defensive role player you can find. I wouldn't mind attaching Clarkson to that pick if it meant moving higher up to get a defensive specialist in the 20-25 range.

[Pointgod]

Well we got brothers in the NBA that made it- Marc and Pau Gasol, Markief and Marcus Morris. Who else? If those brothers can make it, Lonzo just needs to get 1 of his 2 brothers to make it. Instead of having just 1 brother and it all comes down to him, Lonzo has 2 brothers. Linangelo and Lamelo have time to get better playing in college.

We've had cousins make it before- T-mac and Vince Carter

Lopez brothers, the Barry's, Harvey and Horace Grant, one set of the Grant's sons, Jeff and Marquis Teague, Jrue and Justin Holiday, technically Blake Griffin and his brother. Those are a few off the top of my head.

[ak7]

Cliff notes by Tycobb. Good read. I don't watch much college ball so this brings more perspective into his game. What are your thoughts on Lavar? Do you think he will get in the way of the team in terms of publicity etc?

Thoughts on Lavar:
- involved father, trying to start a family business. will always be heard in the media because of the free marketing and the media outlets know they can get something controversial out of him.
- all he cares about is Lonzo going to the Lakers, will let him do his thing once this is official.
- is already calming down in his interviews with the ESPN shows and such, showing more honesty--before it was outrageous claims to get a voice, now that he has one, he is cooled off.
- will continue to be scrutinized heavily by the media for whatever individual reason. like that white chick that tried to start stuff with him today on Cowherd's show. she made it personal and he didn't take the bait. actually very intelligent and sound when he is being serious.
- will most likely end up with a reality show, maybe even partnering up with TWC or whatever they are now, spectrum (?) on the lakers station.
- overall threat level to the lakers organization culture? 2. overall threat to any other organization besides the lakers if the lakers pass on him? 6.
- not worried about him at all. he has his stage now, and he'll be as loud, or quiet, as lonzo's play on the court dictates.

Kristine Leahy is my celeb (if you call her that) crush. He better not talk to her like that ever again.

[MrWaffles]

Draft prospect of the day: Semi Ojeleye (F, SMU)

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

I like what I see here. I'm sure Ryan West has the clips rolling in front of Rob and Magic daily.

[Lakers24gm]

At 28 I really like Semi Ojeleye too. He's so strong he could play some small ball 4 too. He's a good shooter too and wings are just so valuable now. I really like Jordan Bell too. He's probably one of the best defenders in the draft and everyone I listen too on podcast and reports and stuff raved about him saying he was guarding 1-5 during the combine. And Cameron Oliver is another one I like. Mostly because he does two things decent that works in todays NBA. Shoots 3s and blocks shots.

[MrWaffles]

At 28 I really like Semi Ojeleye too. He's so strong he could play some small ball 4 too. He's a good shooter too and wings are just so valuable now. I really like Jordan Bell too. He's probably one of the best defenders in the draft and everyone I listen too on podcast and reports and stuff raved about him saying he was guarding 1-5 during the combine. And Cameron Oliver is another one I like. Mostly because he does two things decent that works in todays NBA. Shoots 3s and blocks shots.

I agree. If we're not trading the pick, then sign one of these kids and call it a summer.

[Lakers24gm]

Woj said UCLA gave Lavar 3 things that he should never do and to his credit he never violated them. I think Lakers need to do something similar.

What were the 3 things? I think once Ball get to the NBA his father would take a step back. Dealing with a college and a professional team are two totally different things. The NBA is a job.

I think it was something like never criticize the coach or program publicly and a few other such things.

Cant attend practices
Cant call the coach
And can't go in the locker room.

[nymets1]

Well we got brothers in the NBA that made it- Marc and Pau Gasol, Markief and Marcus Morris. Who else? If those brothers can make it, Lonzo just needs to get 1 of his 2 brothers to make it. Instead of having just 1 brother and it all comes down to him, Lonzo has 2 brothers. Linangelo and Lamelo have time to get better playing in college.

We've had cousins make it before- T-mac and Vince Carter

Lopez brothers, the Barry's, Harvey and Horace Grant, one set of the Grant's sons, Jeff and Marquis Teague, Jrue and Justin Holiday, technically Blake Griffin and his brother. Those are a few off the top of my head.

Someone also mentioned Steph and Seth Curry. The best among the brother's group is Seth Curry, both Gasol brother's, Jeff Teague, Jrue Holiday, Blake Griffin. These guys are either franchise players, all stars or at least once was at all star level

Justin Holiday, Marquis Teague, Blake Griffin's brother, Morris brother's and Grant brothers are all good enough to be or have played in the NBA but their not all stars.

Than the Cousins T-mac and Vince Carter were all stars and/ or franchise players at times.

If all those guys can make the NBA, so can both of Lonzo's brothers but of course they have to get better at their college team. Lonzo is projected to have a really good NBA career. So maybe Liangelo and Lamelo could be projected to have a better NBA career than guys like the Barry Brothers, Grant brothers, Teague brothers, Holiday brothers, Seth Curry, Morris Brothers

Maybe Liangelo and Lamelo won't be as good as Steph Curry, Gasol Brothers, T-mac and Vince Carter but I think Liangelo and Lamelo can get better in college and be good enough to make NBA as backups or like the 15th man on the roster, Or get really good and become NBA starters.

[iamworthy]

Read on Twitter

[yanuary]

At 28 I really like Semi Ojeleye too. He's so strong he could play some small ball 4 too. He's a good shooter too and wings are just so valuable now. I really like Jordan Bell too. He's probably one of the best defenders in the draft and everyone I listen too on podcast and reports and stuff raved about him saying he was guarding 1-5 during the combine. And Cameron Oliver is another one I like. Mostly because he does two things decent that works in todays NBA. Shoots 3s and blocks shots.

Actually when i saw Ojeyle wingspan measurements i doubt that he could be smallball PF in NBA.

[NBAWestFan]

I think I will make a about face and go back to Ball.

Why I forgot why I really wanted him in the first place. I have to admit I was dissapointed in his shot and
play vs Kentucky. But he did not play as horrible as DeAarron out played everyone.

I grew up watching West, Wilt and Goodrich.

Then, one to Kareem, Magic, Silk and Worthy.

Though Kobe and Shaq and Gasol brought titles and it was very exciting to watch I was not a Kobe fan after
watching Magic in the 70's and 80's.

The reason I want Ball is for what his game represents to the Youth and him as a Role Model of how to play
UNSELFISHLY. Though his Lavar will be a problem Lonzo on the court game is what I want the youth to learn.

Magic did not just change basketball but he brought on Life Long message of unselfish Play.

Magic and showtime and the Spurs unselfish play to me is what Basketball and having a High BBall IQ is about.

So it is the passing which really is the ART of the GAME that makes it a great game.

[JohnVancouver]

at 28 what position are we even going for?

Do we go for a center again. P.F to give Randle a scare (he needs it, maybe he'll find consistency) or some kind of bench wing.

If Adebayo or Giles(even with his knee frailties) is available you pick them and let Robinson/Black walk or else pick the best possible defensive role player you can find. I wouldn't mind attaching Clarkson to that pick if it meant moving higher up to get a defensive specialist in the 20-25 range.

I think we really need to find a couple defensive players - Nwaba is one for the backcourt already and I'm leaning towards JJackson at 2. Iwas high on ball but I'm second guessing myself after all the scare posts. I really, really miss Lou. Anyone else notcie how well he ran offense when he was in at PG?