NBA Draft 2017: Five prospects the Lakers need to keep an eye on

Mar 23, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) shoots during practice the day before the South Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) shoots during practice the day before the South Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 23, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) shoots during practice the day before the South Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) shoots during practice the day before the South Regional semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

The Lakers can’t afford to mess up their first selection in the NBA Draft 2017.

After watching how this season went, it was hard not to feel for the Lakers. Being so used to success in the regular season and playoff or championship moments, it has been another dark day.

Thankfully, the upcoming draft will give them more hope. While they still await the actual draft order, Los Angeles has to take their chances with what they’ve got.

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There are some great players in this year’s draft class. Most of the top prospects are freshman, who chose to leave college after just one season for the NBA.

UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball has been at the middle of all conversation relating to draft night. He’s spoken highly of a potential chance to stay in Los Angeles, while also claiming he thinks he’s better than Markelle Fultz.

The hope is that any analysis the Lakers do on these prospects doesn’t backfire. One of the last things, if not the last thing, they want to do is pick up a bust.

Free agents are on the way soon, but before any of that happens they have to help their young core.

Here’s a look at five prospects that best suite the Lakers, not in any particular order.