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Lakers rumors: Three reasons tanking is bad for Los Angeles

By Keith Rivas

Apr 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Clippers won 115-104. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram (14) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Clippers won 115-104. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) walks onto the court against the Kent State Golden Flashes 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) walks onto the court against the Kent State Golden Flashes in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

They could still end up with a bust

While plenty of prospects are wondering when their name will be called, the bigger issue for the Lakers is determining who the busts are. This is a potentially loaded draft class with tons of skill, raw talent, and athleticism.

But we’ve seen it before where dominance in college translates to little or nothing in the NBA.

Injuries can be a factor as well, but sometimes the big leagues just don’t treat the new guys so nice.

One of those main prospects the Lakers are rumored to be chasing is Lonzo Ball. While there’s upside to picking him, there’s reasons to stay away from him as well.

Concern for how his style of play could direct or change the offensive flow for the worse is among them. Arguably more important, however, is the loud role of his father.

LaVar Ball is an outspoken, passionate fan of his son. That’s great and all, but there comes a time where backing off isn’t such a bad idea. If the Lakers end up taking the former UCLA point guard, they take on the role of watching for any more crazy claims from LaVar.

Off the court distractions matter. They can’t be ignored, shrugged off, or put in a corner like we’d like them to be. The last thing the young core needs is for their newest piece to bring all the drama that could unfold.

Not only is their potential for a PR nightmare, but Ball’s confidence could also be negatively affected, which could bring down the team as a whole.

And if they make that poor decision, sometimes only a little bit of time can tell them the answer.

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