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2017 NBA Draft Roundtable: Lonzo Ball, big trades and predictions

By Michael Saenz

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of a video board displaying all thirty draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-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 /

Who Will Draft Lonzo Ball?

Michael Saenz, Site Expert: Los Angeles Lakers. However, I do hope there’s a team out there that trades up to No. 2 with the Lakers. There’s nothin more I’d like to see than LaVar Ball’s reaction to his son not playing in LA this season.

Jonathan Macri, Site Contributor: Suns. Two years ago, it seemed destined that the Lakers would draft their next great center, Jahlil Okafor, until they surprised everyone by taking D’Angelo Russell. Lonzo Ball wearing the purple and gold similarly seemed like a sure thing, but once again we’re hearing whispers indicating otherwise. Could it be a smokescreen? Sure. But Ball would be perfect in Phoenix, and here’s betting he ends up there either via trade or by falling to No. 4.

Dante Nelson, Site Contributor: Los Angeles Lakers

Mason McFee, Site Contributor: Phoenix Suns. We’ve all read the reports that Lonzo is a ‘lock’ to go to L.A. His dad would probably throw a fit larger than Kanye interrupting Taylor Swift, but I’m just not sold that he’s a lock to go to L.A.; even if the trade goes through that sends the no. 1 pick to Philly and Boston trades down to 3.

Phoenix is a team that’s still rebuilding, and has been rumored to be looking to move Tyson Chandler ever since they lost out on the LMA sweepstakes, and has been linked to moving everyone but Devin Booker. Unless Ulis finds his inner I.T. (possible), he’ll be a backup, and if Bledsoe is gone…. hello Lonzo.

Tony Webb, Site Contributor: I’ve went back and fourth between the Lakers taking Ball or Jackson. It changes daily. I’m going to say it all falls in Lonzo’s favor and the Lakers just can’t pass up on Ball. Lonzo goes to the Lakers.

Vince Massara, Site Contributor: Lakers. I still think that the Lakers take Ball. All this potential movement at the top of the draft should still leave Lonzo at the Lakers with pick two.

Evan Dyal, Site Contributor: Lonzo Ball will be drafted by the Lakers.

Chris Wooden, Site Contributor: Lonzo Ball will be drafted by the Suns. I really think the Lakers go with Jackson at 2 based, content to keep running with D’Angelo and Clarkson at point. The Celtics could trade the third pick for Butler, but it seems like all signs point to them reaching for Tatum at 3 if they keep the pick. That leaves the Suns, who would be getting the steal of the draft to form one of the best young backcourts in the league with Lonzo and Devin Booker.

Ryan Magdziarz, Site Contributor: Lakers. LA will have to figure out whos playing off ball, but a backcourt of Dloading & Lozno is lethal and dripping with potential.

Deanna Chapman, Site Contributor: Lonzo Ball will be drafted by the Lakers.

Clevis Murray, Site Contributor: Los Angeles Lakers.

John Pontin, Site Contributor: Lonzo Ball will be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the rumors of Lonzo’s poor workouts and Magic Johnson’s interest in Josh Jackson, I do not see a situation in which Ball is not the second player off the board in this draft. He fits in extremely well with the current makeup of the Laker roster, and he is an impeccable fit with franchise cornerstones D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram.

Miles Jamieson: Chicago Bulls. Wait what?!?!?! The Celtics traded the number one pick to the 76ers, who will take Markelle Fultz. Although there has been speculation that the Lakers might take Ball, I think they’ll take Josh Jackson instead. That leaves the Celtics with the third pick. Boston acquired a ton of assets to try and make a splash for a marquee player, and I think the third pick will be for sale. Boston wants Jimmy Butler, and has enough assets to make a trade happen. I think they’ll trade multiple picks – including the third pick – to get Jimmy Butler. Chicago will receive the third pick and will select Lonzo Ball.