NEW YORK—Wow! La’Var Ball, the polarizing and outspoken father of UCLA phenom Lonzo Ball was right when he boldly claimed, “Oh he is going to be a Laker.” The now prophetic proclamation became a forgone conclusion, as the Lakers earned the No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday, May 16.
Lakers President of Basketball Operations, Magic Johnson was beaming from ear to ear as the envelope was unsealed revealing the iconic Lakers emblem. Purple and Gold fans treated the event like a playoff game, instead of an orange basketball, it was a single ping pong ball caught in a mini-tornado which has the potential to see the faltering franchise return to glory.
Its the third year in a row, the Los Angeles Lakers have earned the No. 2 pick; it feels as if destiny is falling into place. Magic will get the point guard of his dreams. Lonzo is from Chino Hills, and a life long Laker fan.
The only fickle is the Los Angeles fan base would shell out $495 for his signature sneakers.
Los Angeles had a 46.9 percent chance of keeping their pick — had it landed fourth or lower, they would’ve been forced to send their selection to the Philadelphia 76ers and their 2019 first to the Orlando Magic to close out the Dwight Howard trade.
The number one pick went to the Boston Celtics, even though their season is still going strong. The Celtics will meet defending NBA Champs, the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The young core of the Lakers include rising stars: D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and Brandon Ingram.
Fast forward to the 2017 NBA Draft on June, 22. NBA Commissioner Adam silver will stand at the podium and state, “With the second pick in the NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select Lonzo Ball from UCLA.”
This ‘Ball’ is in our court, and thats where he is going to remain!
