Lakers Rumors: The Three Keys to Return to the Playoffs

1. Draft Lonzo Ball

Yes, that is right, drafting Lonzo Ball should be the Lakers top priority after this season concludes. Ball just seems destined to be a Los Angeles Laker, and as odd as it sounds, he fits into the dynamic of the team perfectly.

Ball is a very talented kid that very recently declared for the NBA Draft. Despite his outlandish father, Ball seems like he has it all to become a true NBA superstar. Ball has the same hype circling around him that Ben Simmons had last year, with his multiple areas of expertise Ball seems like the most well-rounded player out of college we have seen in quite some time.

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Of course, drafting Ball would require that the Lakers keep their draft pick this year. To do so, they need to be a top three pick and even then it may not be a sure-fire chance that they could land Ball. If they receive the second or third pick, they will likely need to trade up in some manner, or hope to the basketball gods that he is not selected first or second.

Ball would instantly start at point gaurd for the Los Angeles Lakers, moving D’Angelo Russell over to shooting gaurd. This transition fits both guys perfectly, and if the Lakers deal Jordan Clarkson to the Pacers there will be an opening at the two. Then, the Lakers would have an extremely young back court in Russell and Ball, forwards George and Randle, and Zubac (and another dynamic center) playing the five.

Of course, this is all hypothetical, but these moves could easily be made with the weapons the Lakers have at their disposal. Heck, even if they cannot get a trade completed they can pursue either Hayward, Durant, or even Otto Porter to play small forward.

Next: Clippers Clinch Playoff Berth

Overall, the Lakers are in a dry spell that is so unorthodox for the franchise. For a franchise that has only missed the playoffs five times before this four-year spell, they are certainly working depserately to turn the ship around. These Lakers rumors are the perfect catalyst for this transition.