2017 NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Suns snag Lonzo Ball; Heat trade up for Fox

1.Los Angeles Lakers (via Boston Celtics) – Markelle Fultz, PG, Washington

GM: Noah Torr; Twitter: @noahtorr

I traded the number two pick, the 28th pick, and Julius Randle for Terry Rozier and the first overall pick. I also traded Tarik Black for the 23rd overall selection.

Finally, in a three-team trade, I traded away Jordan Clarkson, Timofey Mozgov, and Luol Deng and in return, I received Evan Fournier and Terrence Ross.

All of these moves were necessary for the Lakers future success.

The hefty contracts of Clarkson, Mozgov, and Deng are now gone and no longer the Lakers’ problem. And, the addition of Markelle Fultz sweetens the pot all the more. The potential starting lineup looks like this: Fultz-D’Angelo Russell-Brandon Ingram-Larry Nance Jr-Ivica Zubac.

In order for Fultz to be on the Lakers, Julius Randle had to go. Granted, this may have been a risky move, but I fully believe in Fultz’s incredible talent. Nance Jr may not have the potential that Randle does, but he will fill the role nicely. The only need that the Lakers need to fill now is a big man. Both Mozgov and Black had to depart from Los Angeles in order to preserve the Lakers’ future.

Evan Fournier’s contract may be a little much, but he is young and has a more bearable contract than Deng and Mozgov. He will come off of the bench as the sixth man and will provide valuable offense and defense from the bench.

These moves were obviously made for the future and the Lakers’ future is bright.