2017 NBA Draft: What The Lakers Got

Hey basketball fanatics! Let's rewind to the 2017 NBA Draft, shall we? That was a pivotal moment for the Los Angeles Lakers, a team looking to rebuild and reclaim their former glory. This draft class was loaded with talent, and the Lakers, holding the second overall pick, had a golden opportunity to add a cornerstone piece to their roster. So, what did they do? Who did they pick? And how did it all pan out? Let's dive into the 2017 NBA Draft Lakers pick and break it all down, shall we?

The Build-Up: Expectations and Hopes

The 2017 NBA Draft was buzzing with anticipation. The consensus top two prospects were Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball. Fultz, a dynamic guard from the University of Washington, was seen as a potential offensive superstar, while Ball, a flashy point guard from UCLA, brought a unique skill set and a huge amount of hype to the table. The Lakers, after years of struggling, were eager to find their next franchise player. The pressure was on, and the hopes of the Lakers faithful were sky-high.

Before the draft, the rumors and speculation were wild. Every basketball analyst and fan had an opinion on who the Lakers should pick. Some wanted Fultz, believing his scoring ability was what the team needed. Others were drawn to Ball's playmaking, vision, and the potential to bring excitement back to the Staples Center. The Lakers' front office, led by Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka, had a tough decision to make. They had to weigh the pros and cons of each player, considering their fit with the existing roster, their potential for growth, and their overall impact on the team's future. The media was in a frenzy, analyzing every workout, interview, and social media post, adding to the drama and excitement.

The Lakers had a good foundation of young talent already, including D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Brandon Ingram, the second overall pick from the 2016 draft. The goal was to add another key piece to accelerate the team's rebuilding process. The decision would have a massive impact on the franchise for years to come. The Lakers needed a player who could not only excel on the court but also handle the immense pressure of playing in Los Angeles. The player had to be ready for the spotlight and the constant scrutiny of the media and the fans. This was a critical moment for the Lakers, and their choice would shape the team's trajectory for the next several years. The pressure was on to make the right call and bring the Lakers back to the top of the NBA.

The Pick: Lonzo Ball

With the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Lonzo Ball. The announcement sent a wave of excitement through the Lakers fanbase. Ball, with his exceptional passing skills, court vision, and ability to push the pace, was seen as a perfect fit for the modern NBA. His ability to make highlight-reel passes and his overall playmaking prowess had earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the draft class.

Ball's arrival in Los Angeles was a media circus from day one. His father, LaVar Ball, was a constant presence in the headlines, adding to the hype and the pressure. The expectations for Lonzo were sky-high, as he was immediately thrust into the starting lineup and expected to lead the Lakers' offense. The Lakers were betting on Ball's potential to become a franchise player, a player who could elevate the team to new heights. The selection of Ball was a calculated risk. While his passing and court vision were undeniable, his shooting mechanics and scoring ability were areas of concern. The Lakers' front office believed they could help him develop these skills and turn him into a complete player.

Lonzo Ball's time in Los Angeles was filled with both flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency. He showed moments of his incredible potential, dazzling fans with his passing skills and defensive abilities. He averaged 10.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in his rookie season, showcasing his all-around game. His ability to rebound and initiate fast breaks made him a valuable asset. However, his shooting struggles were a major issue. He shot just 36% from the field and 30.5% from three-point range during his rookie year, which hurt the Lakers' offense.

The Aftermath: Ball's Tenure and Beyond

Lonzo Ball's tenure with the Lakers was, to say the least, complicated. There were definitely ups and downs. While he brought a unique skillset and a fresh perspective to the team, he also faced significant challenges. Injuries plagued his time in Los Angeles, which limited his ability to reach his full potential. The constant media attention surrounding him and his family added extra pressure. The hype was real, but it was also a heavy burden to carry. His performance was often scrutinized, and his every move was analyzed by the media and the fans.

Despite the struggles, Ball showed flashes of brilliance during his time with the Lakers. His passing and court vision were remarkable, and he was able to make incredible plays that thrilled the fans. His defensive abilities were also impressive, and he showed the potential to become a lockdown defender. He made several highlight-reel plays and demonstrated his all-around talent. Ultimately, the Lakers decided to move on from Ball after two seasons. In a blockbuster trade, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in the summer of 2019, along with Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart, in exchange for Anthony Davis. This trade marked a significant turning point for the Lakers, as they acquired a superstar in Davis, who would ultimately lead the team to an NBA championship.

After leaving the Lakers, Ball continued to develop his game in New Orleans and later with the Chicago Bulls. He improved his shooting, became a more consistent scorer, and established himself as a valuable player. While his time in Los Angeles didn't quite live up to the hype, it served as a learning experience for both Ball and the Lakers organization. The trade allowed the Lakers to acquire Anthony Davis, which would prove crucial for their championship run in 2020. The decision to trade him was a strategic move that helped the Lakers achieve their ultimate goal of winning a championship.

Analyzing the Draft Class: What Else Happened?

Alright, let's take a look at the rest of the 2017 NBA Draft class to get a broader perspective, yeah? The talent pool was pretty deep, and several other players made a significant impact on their respective teams. Here are some of the notable picks:

• Markelle Fultz (Philadelphia 76ers, 1st overall): Fultz, the player many expected the Lakers to pick, had a challenging start to his career due to injuries and struggles with his shooting. He was ultimately traded to the Orlando Magic, where he has shown flashes of his potential. Injuries really held him back, and it's unfortunate we didn't see him reach his full potential sooner.
• Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics, 3rd overall): Tatum has emerged as one of the NBA's top stars. He's a multiple-time All-Star, and he's been instrumental in the Celtics' success. He's a scoring machine, and he's really grown into a leader for his team.
• De'Aaron Fox (Sacramento Kings, 5th overall): Fox is a dynamic point guard and the leader of the Sacramento Kings. He's known for his speed, scoring ability, and playmaking. He's really grown into a key player for his team.
• Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz, 13th overall): Mitchell has become a scoring sensation in the NBA, showcasing his talent with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He's known for his scoring prowess and explosive performances. He's consistently put up impressive numbers.

The Lakers' Perspective: A Rebuilding Phase

Looking back, the 2017 NBA Draft marked a significant phase in the Lakers' rebuilding process. The choice to select Lonzo Ball was a gamble that didn't fully pay off, at least in the short term. While Ball's skills didn't mesh with the Lakers' timeline, he was part of the deal that brought Anthony Davis to the team. The move ultimately helped them win a championship in 2020.

The Lakers had high hopes for Ball, but the fit wasn't ideal, and the team needed to make changes to build a championship roster. The trade for Davis was a bold move that paid off, as Davis teamed up with LeBron James to lead the Lakers to their 17th NBA title. In hindsight, the decision to draft Ball was part of a larger plan. The trade was ultimately successful, even if it meant moving on from Ball. The championship validated the Lakers' strategy and their willingness to take risks to build a winning team. The acquisition of Davis was a game-changer and helped the Lakers return to their winning ways.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for the Lakers

So, the 2017 NBA Draft was a turning point for the Los Angeles Lakers. The decision to draft Lonzo Ball was a high-profile move that didn't quite deliver the results the team had hoped for initially. However, the trade that followed ultimately set the stage for a championship run. The draft serves as a reminder that rebuilding an NBA team is a complex process. It involves making tough decisions, taking risks, and being patient. The Lakers, after a period of struggle, are now one of the most successful franchises in the league.

It was a rollercoaster of emotions for the fans, but in the end, the Lakers were able to get back to the top of the league. The Lakers' journey from the 2017 NBA Draft to the championship in 2020 is a story of perseverance, strategic planning, and the willingness to make bold moves. It also shows that the draft is just one piece of the puzzle, and a team's success depends on many factors, including player development, team chemistry, and smart roster construction. So, what do you guys think? Let me know your thoughts on the comments below! I'm always open to discussing more basketball. Peace out!