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2017 NBA Draft: Live analysis and tracking rumors, picks, trades for the NBA Draft

By Lukas Harkins

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the podium and stage before 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 the podium and stage before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view of the Staples Center during a NBA basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General overall view of the Staples Center during a NBA basketball game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Lakers

Record in 2016-17: 26-56 (14th in the Western Conference)

Draft picks: 2nd overall, 27th overall, 30th overall, 42nd overall

Jonathan Givony Projections: Lonzo Ball (#2), Derrick White (#27), Kyle Kuzma (#28)

Lukas Harkins Projections: Lonzo Ball (#2), DJ Wilson (#27), Jordan Bell (#28)

Draft Outlook: After trading D’Angelo Russell, it seems like the Los Angeles Lakers are ready to draft Lonzo Ball with the #2 overall pick to be their starting point guard. The Lakers still have Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, and Ivica Zubac to build around, but they are in search of a superstar to add to their roster. Paul George has indicated interest in coming to LA, but could that happen on draft night, later in the offseason, or through free agency next season. Adding a star and Lonzo Ball will make the Lakers a much better team next season, but will it be enough to make it to the Playoffs? We will have to see if they have any surprises in store over the next few weeks.

#2 overall pick: PG Lonzo Ball, UCLA

Not necessarily a surprise here by the Lakers, but Lonzo Ball is the selection nonetheless. After trading D’Angelo Russell, Ball will step into LA as the starting point guard and they will also work with Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle for the future. Ball is an elite point guard in the way that he distributes the ball and sees the floor. If the Lakers can add a star to their roster, maybe they can take the next step as a franchise. Grade: A.

#27 overall: PF Kyle Kuzma, Utah

Another potential stretch big, the Lakers must feel solid about their wings and the future in signing a free agent (Paul George, anyone). Kyle Kuzma had a very solid career with Utah and will have to fight for playing time in the frontcourt in Los Angeles. I am unsure how well he will fit with several other big men also on the roster, but with three first round picks, one of them is bound to work. Grade: C.

#30 overall: SG Josh Hart, Villanova

Likely to have been everyone’s favorite second round pick in the draft, the Lakers ended those hopes by swooping in and taking the college star with the last pick of the first round. He will bring experience to the pros and will help to mold a young roster as a leader off the bench for Lonzo Ball and the other youngsters. Grade: B-. 

#42 overall: PF Thomas Bryant, Indiana

The Lakers have a lot of picks in this draft, and this is an interesting one. Bryant has never materialized into the draft prospect people thought he could be, but his offensive game gives him a shot at NBA potential. He needs to improve his all-around game though. Grade: C+. 

To go back to the draft order/selections, click here.

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