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2017 NBA Draft: Lonzo Ball wants the Lakers, and that’s OK

By Clevis Murray

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) drives to the basket past Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) drives to the basket past Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) in the second half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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As we grow closer and closer to the 2017 NBA Draft, it’s becoming quite apparent that Lonzo Ball wants to be draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, and that’s OK

Lonzo Ball wants to become the latest top NBA prospect to be drafted by their hometown team, possibly joining the likes of LeBron James (’03) and Derrick Rose (’08).

Ball and his contingency have almost perfectly executed their plan with Ball not working out for the Boston Celtics (who hold the No. 1 pick), leaving the door open for the Lakers at No. 2, which is ironically enough Ball’s jersey number. The California native having his happy ending is more possible but there are some snags before draft day.

Ball not working out for Boston has created quite a conversation in recent days, but what’s the problem? Just how he didn’t need to attend the NBA Draft Combine, he’s not obligated to workout for teams he doesn’t see fit.

He’s exercising his right as a prospect to land in his preferable destination, which is with the purple and gold. Working out for Boston might sway the team even more into selecting him, and that’s something he doesn’t want.

Despite not working out for Boston, it doesn’t scare them away from still selecting Ball No. 1 overall. Ainge pointed out in an interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub that he’s selected players in the past the team hasn’t worked out, and such a situation happens every year around the league.

Ball and his dad, LaVar, haven’t publicly rejected the notion of playing for Boston at all, it’s just a preference of where he wants to start his career. Despite possibly dissuading Boston, the Lakers aren’t locked in on Ball.

There are rumblings that are starting to grow louder and louder which suggest that De’Aaron Fox of Kentucky could surpass Lonzo Ball and Markelle Fultz on team’s big boards.

Interestingly enough, Ball is reportedly entertaining the idea of working out for the Philadelphia 76ers, who are owners of the No. 3 overall pick. In the event that the Lakers shock the basketball world – including the Ball family – and pass on Ball at No. 2, Lonzo seems to be setting up a contingency plan.

Must Read: 2017 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: De'Aaron Fox Continues To Rise; Knicks Find Their Point Guard

Does Lonzo need to actually workout for teams? No, what he did at UCLA speaks for itself. It just sends a sign of where he wants to go, and a possible audition in Philly is his back-up plan if he’s passed on.