NBA DRAFT IS HERE! TOP HEADLINES from the NBA DRAFT!

IT’S HAPPENING!!!

It’s today! The NBA Draft is happening today, and I can’t be more excited! It’s one of the most exciting nights in sports, and this year the rookie crop looks amazing. There’s already been some jaw-dropping trades happening, and a lot of drama is sure to follow. Here’s my top 3 things to watch for in the draft.

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Will the Lakers trade their picks for Paul George?

Lakers have been at the center of the NBA draft ever since they landed the #2 overall pick in the NBA draft. It’s the third year in a row that they have gotten the #2 overall pick. Their 2015 pick D’Angelo Russell was recently traded to the Brooklyn Nets, and their 2016 pick Brandon Ingram is still in development. This leaves the Lakers in a terrible position, as they are now loaded with mediocre veterans and inexperienced rookies and sophomores.

When Magic Johnson took over the position as the president of basketball operations, He immediately traded the best player on the team (Lou Williams) for the #27 draft pick. Having acquired the #28 draft pick and Brook Lopez for the D’Angelo trade, the Lakers are sitting on the #2, #27, and the #28 draft picks, as well as some good complementary players, such as Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson. Having declared that all but Brandon Ingram is available for a trade, would it make sense for the Lakers to make a play for a superstar who can help the Lakers win immediately?

Indiana Pacers superstar Paul George is originally from Los Angeles and has stated multiple times that he’d like to play for the Lakers. He’s a free agent in 2018, but having already declared his ultimate destination, the Pacers are keen, more than ever, to trade him away now for something in return than let him walk.

Can a trade for Clarkson + Randle + #27 + #28 picks for Paul George happen?

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Lonzo Ball to the Lakers?

One of the biggest stories of the Lakers offseason has been whether Lonzo Ball will be drafted by the Lakers. Lakers are in desperate need for a ball-centric distributor that will take pressure off of scorers like Brandon Ingram and spread the floor. Luke Walton, the Laker’s head coach, was a pass-first player when he played with Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. Magic Johnson, a hall-of-fame point guard himself, has said on multiple occasions that he likes Lonzo’s game.

There are a few things about Lonzo that gives the Lakers hesitation.

First, Lonzo isn’t conditioned well. This, of course, will change as Lonzo gets professional athletic trainers to help him work out, but De’Aaron Fox, another top PG prospect in the draft, was in peak physical condition and outworked Lonzo during their tryouts for the Lakers.

Second, Lonzo’s father, Lavar, is a bit of a nuisance. While I don’t agree with Kristine Leahy that he’s an abusive father, I do think that Lavar’s confidence in his kids will throw unnecessary pressure on Lonzo. Lavar Ball has made comments regarding Lonzo being a better player than the two-time MVP Steph Curry. He’s made a lot of enemies for Lonzo, and I don’t think he’ll keep his mouth closed even when Lonzo becomes a pro. Lavar has a big, loveable personality, but I hope that he doesn’t impede his son’s career.

So will the Lakers, knowing these two HUGE negatives, still draft Lonzo? I think they should, but I’d understand if they trade the pick for a superstar or pick De’Aaron Fox.

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Jayson Tatum to the Celtics? Josh Jackson the Celtics?

This is more speculation than a report, but some inside the Celtics organization have begun to push for Jayson Tatum instead of Josh Jackson for the #1 overall pick. The Boston Celtics traded their #1 overall draft pick to the Philadelphia 76ers #3 pick so that they can add future draft picks. The 76ers made that pick so that they can secure their #1 position to acquire Markell Fultz, the consensus best player in the draft with a scoring talent that some have likened to Allen Iverson.

A week ago, it was a certainty that the Celtics would add the talented wing player from Kansas, Josh Jackson. However, they didn’t work him out. There were rumors that Josh Jackson was completely controlled by his domineering mother. There were issues regarding his character, which was described as childish, selfish, and anger-prone. Jayson Tatum, on the other hand, may not have superstar potential, but he’s projected to be a cornerstone player akin to a Zach Randolph or Mike Conley.
Who will the Boston Celtics draft? Will they trade their picks for Chicago Bulls superstar Jimmy Butler?

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OH man, this is going to be an intense day. I hope you guys enjoy reading this every bit as much as I did writing it! I'm looking forward to the rookie cards. :)

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