Lonzo Ball "should" be the clear pick for the Lakers

Nothing is set in stone, but the Chino Hills native should be the favorite

Yesterday the Lakers got their long awaited workout with UCLA's Lonzo Ball in what was probably the biggest media attraction the Lakers has ever had for a draft prospect. The basic workouts for Ball included shooting drills, pulls up, athleticism, and overall just seeing where his mindset is. According to a few reports, the Lakers were very impressed with Ball's workout and his demeanour but not enough to make him the lock for the second pick. Sure the favorite, but many other options still remain. The Lakers are scheduled today (Thursday) to travel to Sacramento to watch and workout Josh Jackson and then next Tuesday will be bringing in De'Aaron Fox for his workout.

According to Ball, the Lakers have told him they want to draft a leader and their probably isn't anyone better in this draft at being a leader than Lonzo Ball. Right away, Ball won't be the vocal leader because he still has his successors like Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle and D'Angelo Russell who are still more experienced than him. Also Ball comes across as quiet, somewhat to Brandon Ingram. But definitely having his floor general ability is desperately what the Lakers need. Not to knock D'Angelo Russell in any way, he's a fabulous passer but what the Lakers really need from his is to be a James Harden type player where scoring comes first which will open up his passing as well. Having both Ball and Russell in the backcourt is very intriguing because both are very good players off the ball, both can pass and both can shoot. The only difference is that Ball is more athletic, where Russell is more fluid and smooth. Also Ball has not had much experience running pick and roll sets, where Russell thrives in pick and roll plays. Russell is not exactly the best transition player (though he can make great passes in transition) where Ball is a speeding bullet in transition.