2017 NBA Draft: Lonzo Ball could be first pick with his own shoe brand

One of the top prospects available in the 2017 NBA Draft might be around the corner from history.

For most players, by the time they reach the NBA, their dream has come true. At that point, they have a chance to prove they belong.

In other cases, a chance to cash in on their talent off the court becomes available as well. Lonzo Ball of UCLA is one of those players.

More from LA Sports Hub

Instead of trying to impress an established company, Lonzo Ball and his family are taking an alternative route. Nike recently expressed interest in Ball, but was turned away by the steep price tag and package deal.

According to a report by theScore, a shoe deal remains a top priority for Ball’s agent.

Per the report:

"The 19-year-old ex-UCLA guard reportedly hired Harrison Gaines to be his agent. His family, meanwhile, recently launched the Ball Sports Group, and owns the Big Baller Brand athletic apparel company.Gaines plans to seek a shoe deal with a major company as a partner for the family brand, rather than a conventional endorsement, sources told The Vertical’s Shams Charania."

The 2017 NBA Draft offers a deeper class that we haven’t seen in a long while. There are a number of players that could’ve gone first by themselves in other classes. In addition, most of the top prospects are one and done freshman.

Lonzo Ball is towards the top of the list, obviously, but whether or not his talents will translate at the next level is yet to be determined. Getting a shoe deal takes second place to performance, or at least it should.

Next: Five Prospects For The Lakers

But if Big Baller Brand goes where the family hopes it will, Lonzo Ball has a chance to put his stamp on history.

Home/UCLA