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2017 NBA Draft: Instant reaction and grades from the first round

By Michael Saenz

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the stage before the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

2. Los Angeles Lakers – Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA

There were whispers that even if Markelle Fultz were still on the board at 2, the Los Angeles Lakers would still take Lonzo Ball over him. I don’t entirely believe that report, but it doesn’t really matter.

Lonzo is the easy pick here, even more so now that D’Angelo Russell resides in Brooklyn. Ball will come in and be the starting point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers from day 1, just as LaVar Ball predicted. Weird.

Ball has great vision, and passing ability. His shot is…err…ugly but it’s effective. He shot 41 percent from three-point range last season, and hit roughly two per game. Perhaps what I like most about Ball, aside from his overlooked athleticism, is the fact that he doesn’t shoot mid-range jumpers. He either gets to the rim or takes threes. He’ll fit right into the new NBA.

Grade: A