2017 NBA Draft: Lonzo Ball would rather be with Lakers than picked first overall

Lonzo Ball had some interesting thoughts on his place in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Earlier today, it was reported that Lonzo Ball took the next step to secure a family brand. Lonzo Ball is also in the news because of his latest comments regarding the Lakers.

He had recently made the claim that he was better than Markelle Fultz because of his leadership abilities. Depending on how you feel about what he brings to the table determines the truth that his claim holds.

Los Angeles is more than likely listening to everything that Ball has to say at this point. Not only because he’s indeed on their radar, but also the off the court implications of his potential selection.

Taking Ball means taking the issue of LaVar Ball and the family brand head on. However, if the Lakers do call his name on draft night, there’s more to it than that for the ex-UCLA star.

Per a report from Sporting News:

"“All my family is in L.A. so I would be able to play in front of them. That would mean more to me,” Ball said on ESPN’s “Sports Nation” Thursday."

Lonzo Ball would add to the young core that the Lakers have in place. It’s a core that didn’t look great under Byron Scott, but has set a different tone under Luke Walton.

All the Lakers need is the right point guard running the show as well as a potential superstar in free agency or via trade.

But they might not even need the latter.

Next: 5 Players On Lakers' Radar

At this point in their season, for whatever reason, the Lakers are winning again. After beating the Spurs on Wednesday, it only added more questions. Depending on where they fall at the end of the season, Los Angeles may not end up with Ball.