In this 2017 NBA Mock Draft, Daily Knicks provides upside comparisons for every Round 1 prospect. Who do the New York Knicks..."/> In this 2017 NBA Mock Draft, Daily Knicks provides upside comparisons for every Round 1 prospect. Who do the New York Knicks..."/>
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2017 NBA Mock Draft: New York Knicks And A Full Round 1

By Maxwell Ogden

Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) moves the ball against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 76-69. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Stanford, CA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) moves the ball against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 76-69. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) dribbles the ball as Kent State Golden Flashes guard Jalen Avery (0) defends in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) dribbles the ball as Kent State Golden Flashes guard Jalen Avery (0) defends in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball, UCLA Bruins

Position: Point Guard
Age: 19 (10/27/1997)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’6″, 190 pounds, 6’7″
2016-17 Slash Line: .551/.412/.673
2016-17 Season Averages: 35.1 MPG, 14.6 PPG, 7.6 APG, 6.0 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 2.2 3PM

There are quite a few basketball fans who would find pleasure in the Los Angeles Lakers opting against the selection of Lonzo Ball. Due in no part to the public comments made by Lavar Ball, however, the Lakers will likely make the UCLA star the selection at No. 2.

Lonzo Ball has been one of the top prospects in this draft class since well before his father got his 15 minutes, and that’s earned him this tremendous opportunity.

Magic Johnson is likely to covet the opportunity to find a player similar to himself. Ball isn’t a 6’9″ point guard, but he stands at 6’6″ and 190 pounds with generational court vision and the invaluable ability to put his teammates in the ideal locations to score.

For a Lakers team that has talent but lacks an identity, adding a playmaker who can help define player roles would be of invaluable aid.

Ball is a walking triple-double threat who can do a bit of everything on both ends of the floor. If the plan is to keep D’Angelo Russell and move him to shooting guard, then Los Angeles would have two versatile playmakers who can work from both backcourt positions.

The likes of Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance, Julius Randle, Russell, and Ivica Zubac all have tremendous upside, and Ball is the perfect player to help them tap into it.

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