2017 Lakers Draft Pick Discussion

[Gus McCrae]

First I want to point out that BR started having a major win with the Lavar and Lonzo cartoon and then they had a major fail when the media has now been offline for a while. I can only assume Lonzo-mania strikes...

Imagine summer league

Read on Twitter

And for those saying no one would take Lonzo over Fultz don't forget how much money and attention a guy like this brings to a team needing money and attention (Indy).

I'm with you. Ball is a PR Monster (in a good way.) Not saying he's better than Fultz (who I know nothing about) just that I'm sure he'll draw bigger ratings.

[TyCobb]

It isn't a 2 person draft. That narrative is literally just stuck in the LA market.
You have one person at the top in Fultz.
I would put it this way.

Tier 1
Fultz

Tier 2
Ball/Jackson

Tier 2.5
Fox

Tier 3
Isaac, Monk, Tatum, DSJ

At least that is how it seems to be nationally to me.

Mock drafts were pretty evenly split between Jackson and Ball before the Lakers were found to have the number 2 pick. After that everyone ran with the narrative.

I've been reading other teams boards here on GM. Philly loves Ball so do the Suns. Outside of C's, you don't hear teams promoting Fultz. The stats, articles, etc. have shown Ball to perform better than Fultz in college.

All projection with Fultz and outside of his physicality and scoring ability there isn't much to talk about with him.

[Kilroy]

One has to hope this situation is different than the Russell/Okafor situation... But since Danny, Ty and I were all also fully in the Okafor camp, I'm starting to get a little nervous.

I mean, if Boston goes Fultz, we have to pick Ball... I really don't see the debate at all. If Boston picks Ball, then you take Fultz and not think twice about it, but you also probably should have some draft night trades lined up for Russell just in case.

[Michael Lucky]

Naturally, it isn't like there was a lot of talk about the Lakers and 76ers loving KAT, two years ago when everyone knew he would be the first pick. You had initial chatter about picking who was left between the two bigs but that died ridiculously quickly. No workout for the Lakers for KAT nor is Fultz working out for anyone outside the Celtics. Much easier to talk about a player when there is hope of them falling to you.

[Gus McCrae]

One has to hope this situation is different than the Russell/Okafor situation... But since Danny, Ty and I were all also fully in the Okafor camp, I'm starting to get a little nervous.

I mean, if Boston goes Fultz, we have to pick Ball... I really don't see the debate at all. If Boston picks Ball, then you take Fultz and not think twice about it, but you also probably should have some draft night trades lined up for Russell just in case.

Are you saying if Ball goes 1 we line up a Russell trade so we have 2 lotto picks? Why would having Fultz over Ball affect Russell's status with us?

[iamworthy]

But why would you do this in a two persons draft?

Well after you land 1 of the 2, you're just team building after that. If you think Jackson is a better fit with Lonzo than Russell, then you make the move. I don't know how I personally feel about that... as I understand it would be for defensive reasons than offensive reasons. If they feel Russ is too slow to guard NBA wings, then you can understand the Jackson pairing. I don't think Jackson or Ingram are 2's so it doesn't make sense to me.

If we're really in the hunt for George in '18, then what is the need for Russell? He won't be the main scoring option as that would go to Paul, so you're looking to either build for the future with him in mind or without him. Jackson would indicate they would build for the future with him in mind.

I definitely value Russell over the #3 pick, so my hope is that they unload a big contract if they decide to move Russell rather than trade him for #3. This is all speculation though.

Lakers are taking Ball unless he goes #1. This Jackson, Fox, etc talk is all smoke.

The problem is you're higher on Ingram than Russell. I would counter your position by saying If you have PG why do you need Ingram? Russell moves the ball while still having the ability to knock down the 3pt shot. Russell having to do so much for this offense is criminal. If he was in Milwaukee he would be fine. Fact of the matter is that you dont want to get rid of guys like Russell and Lonzo you want more of them. Guys that move the ball and knock down the 3. Russell has shown the ability to do this on the NBA level while for the sake of this conversation we will give a 19yr college player lonze some credit. Clearly Ingram is a faith based thing. Can he pan out...sure, but Im pretty sure we all watched the same guy struggle. I was more of a Ingram guy then a Russell. I was actually a Oakfur guy more than Russell. Im pretty sure In a conversation you were shooting people down in regards to Ingram in favor of Simmons. Warriors offense IMO is a success ibecause they have guys like Russell and Lonzo....assuming what we know about lonzo being pass first is true.

[TyCobb]

Sixers fans:

"Lonzo is going to be a star."

"Markelle Fultz being the consensus #1 in a draft with Lonzo Ball and Josh Jackson is incredible for the teams picking #2 and #3."

"I just heard Eddie House and Metta World Peace say Boston should take Ball and he's the best player in the draft. I love Ball. I may root for the Lakers if they take him lol. He's going to bring a title back to LA."

"I love Ball too. His dad is a mess, but I love him as a player. I think he goes to LA and will be great there. I'm completely happy with Jackson for us though."

[Michael Lucky]

Lonzo is definitely a pass first PG. This isn't the same situation as when Russell was labeled that out of nowhere.

[Kupchak9]

Wonder if the team is higher on Jackson than Russell.

Russell for Jackson? Would you do that trade?

[Michael Lucky]

Sixers fans:

"Lonzo is going to be a star."

"Markelle Fultz being the consensus #1 in a draft with Lonzo Ball and Josh Jackson is incredible for the teams picking #2 and #3."

"I just heard Eddie House and Metta World Peace say Boston should take Ball and he's the best player in the draft. I love Ball. I may root for the Lakers if they take him lol. He's going to bring a title back to LA."

"I love Ball too. His dad is a mess, but I love him as a player. I think he goes to LA and will be great there. I'm completely happy with Jackson for us though."

You know I can easily go on the Celtics forum and post a gazillion post about how Fultz is so unbelievably great. Of course a lot of 76ers fans are giddy when they have a possible shot at Jackson and maybe Ball. On the other hand they know there's no shot of Fultz falling to them.

[TyCobb]

The problem is you're higher on Ingram than Russell. I would counter your position by saying If you have PG why do you need Ingram? Russell moves the ball while still having the ability to knock down the 3pt shot. Russell having to do so much for this offense is criminal. If he was in Milwaukee he would be fine. Fact of the matter is that you dont want to get rid of guys like Russell and Lonzo you want more of them. Guys that move the ball and knock down the 3. Russell has shown the ability to do this on the NBA level while for the sake of this conversation we will give a 19yr college player lonze some credit. Clearly Ingram is a faith based thing. Can he pan out...sure, but Im pretty sure we all watched the same guy struggle. I was more of a Ingram guy then a Russell. I was actually a Oakfur guy more than Russell. Im pretty sure In a conversation you were shooting people down in regards to Ingram in favor of Simmons. Warriors offense IMO is a success ibecause they have guys like Russell and Lonzo....assuming what we know about lonzo being pass first is true.

I still rate Simmons higher than Ingram, absolutely. People forget what he did at LSU because he didn't play all last year. He is one of the few guys in the league that might be able to stack up again LeBron's physicality.

PG is likely a 4 right now. In fact, in LeBron came to the Lakers I am playing him at C and George at the 4. Ingram is a 3. Lonzo the #1... so if they aren't looking at a scoring option from their 2, then Jackson makes more sense than Russell. He has much more versatility than Russell defensively and George, LeBron, and Ingram are doing the scoring.

[iamworthy]

The problem is you're higher on Ingram than Russell. I would counter your position by saying If you have PG why do you need Ingram? Russell moves the ball while still having the ability to knock down the 3pt shot. Russell having to do so much for this offense is criminal. If he was in Milwaukee he would be fine. Fact of the matter is that you dont want to get rid of guys like Russell and Lonzo you want more of them. Guys that move the ball and knock down the 3. Russell has shown the ability to do this on the NBA level while for the sake of this conversation we will give a 19yr college player lonze some credit. Clearly Ingram is a faith based thing. Can he pan out...sure, but Im pretty sure we all watched the same guy struggle. I was more of a Ingram guy then a Russell. I was actually a Oakfur guy more than Russell. Im pretty sure In a conversation you were shooting people down in regards to Ingram in favor of Simmons. Warriors offense IMO is a success ibecause they have guys like Russell and Lonzo....assuming what we know about lonzo being pass first is true.

I still rate Simmons higher than Ingram, absolutely. People forget what he did at LSU because he didn't play all last year. He is one of the few guys in the league that might be able to stack up again LeBron's physicality.

PG is likely a 4 right now. In fact, in LeBron came to the Lakers I am playing him at C and George at the 4. Ingram is a 3. Lonzo the #1... so if they aren't looking at a scoring option from their 2, then Jackson makes more sense than Russell. He has much more versatility than Russell defensively and George, LeBron, and Ingram are doing the scoring.

I guess. Im not comfortable saying what a college kid will do in the pro's. But In your perfect scenario you are correct. Ive just never seen you speculate so much.

[Michael Lucky]

Actually in that scenario it is more likely Ingram would get shafted over Russell to allow Jackson to play his natural position

[TyCobb]

I guess. Im not comfortable saying what a college kid will do in the pro's. But In your perfect scenario you are correct.

Understandable. This is all hope anyways. Everyday, I'm still happy as F that we kept our damn pick when the odds were against us. We literally have so much flexibility and options now.

[iamworthy]

I guess. Im not comfortable saying what a college kid will do in the pro's. But In your perfect scenario you are correct.

Understandable. This is all hope anyways. Everyday, I'm still happy as F that we kept our damn pick when the odds were against us. We literally have so much flexibility and options now.

In fairness I added another sentence.

[TyCobb]

I guess. Im not comfortable saying what a college kid will do in the pro's. But In your perfect scenario you are correct.

Understandable. This is all hope anyways. Everyday, I'm still happy as F that we kept our damn pick when the odds were against us. We literally have so much flexibility and options now.

In fairness I added another sentence.

I felt it coming, but don't call me The Weeknd.

I think my post still stands with your edit. I know I'm speculating a lot more than usual. This **** got me hype.

[TyCobb]

Lonzo Ball - http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=19584938

Russillo on Lonzo Ball - http://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/19504686

Doc Rivers on Lonzo Ball - http://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/19496275

[MelosSoreWrist]

One has to hope this situation is different than the Russell/Okafor situation... But since Danny, Ty and I were all also fully in the Okafor camp, I'm starting to get a little nervous.

I mean, if Boston goes Fultz, we have to pick Ball... I really don't see the debate at all. If Boston picks Ball, then you take Fultz and not think twice about it, but you also probably should have some draft night trades lined up for Russell just in case.

Are you saying if Ball goes 1 we line up a Russell trade so we have 2 lotto picks? Why would having Fultz over Ball affect Russell's status with us?

Some people think both Russell and Fultz are comboish guards so it would be hard to coexist. Ball doesnt pound the ball and is a pass first playmaker so he fits better with guys like Russell, Devin Booker, and even sharing with Ben Simmons.

But there is no need to rush that or any decision. Seems like the front office is set on the summer of '18 to make their move so see how the new backcourt works out in the regular season before deciding how you want to formulate the team next offseason.

[Kobeallday]

Wonder if the team is higher on Jackson than Russell.

Russell for Jackson? Would you do that trade?

I went to the sixers board and ask them about trading Russell for their 3rd pick, but no one would even think about that idea. I guess no one is high on Dloading except for some of us.

[TylersLakers]

I have this terrible feeling the Lakers will take Jackson. God, I hope I'm wrong.