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How hilarious would it be if, after all the rumors, speculation and hair-pulling, the Los Angeles Lakers simply walk into the NBA Draft festivities, enjoy a nice night in New York and leave with a shiny new (Lonzo) Ball?
According ESPN’s Chad Ford, that certainly seems like the likeliest scenario.
In his latest mock, Ford updated the very top of it to reflect Danny Ainge out-thinking himself and as the Lakers prepare to make their pick, it’s becoming clear what the Lakers’ intentions might be.
“With Fultz likely going No. 1 to Philly, the field narrows down to Ball, Jackson, Tatum and Fox here,” Ford says. “Sources in L.A. say that the Lakers have been moving closer and closer to selecting Ball in the past 48 hours. More than ever, he's the heavy favorite to get his wish to play for his hometown team.”
That’s pretty strong language given how ridiculous the smokescreen has gotten around this pick.
Ford also mentions how things would change if the Lakers decided to offer the number two pick in a Paul George trade, but that isn’t happening while the best offer the Pacers are getting is centered on the mediocrity that comes with building a team around Kevin Love.
Just a few more days to go, everyone, and things are starting to look a little clearer.