Lakers draft Lonzo Ball second overall in 2017

With the second pick in 2017, the Lakers draft Lonzo Ball from UCLA.

Well, what was for the most part a foregone conclusion is now a reality thanks to the Lakers draft. Selecting Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles proves it’s ready to move on from the D’Angelo Russell era.

This isn’t just a big moment for Lonzo, but also for LaVar and the rest of the Ball family. It gives him a chance to prove doubters wrong in the city of angels.

Not only that, but now the family brand can groom in Los Angeles. Big Baller Brand drew a lot of criticism after releasing a nearly $500 shoe. However, now that the piece to the puzzle that is draft night has secured Ball’s team, a rookie year awaits him in LA.

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Fans have a chance to back a hometown kid. If he ends up being something special, or anything close to how his father feels he’ll play in the NBA, fans also might have to eventually buy into the triple B’s.

There’s no guarantee of that, of course, but the Lakers draft of Ball shows that there was enough there to believe. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka are about winning right now, and Ball could — emphasis on could — lead them to the postseason.

Additionally, now the pressure is off of everyone else. If the Ball family doesn’t produce, they’ll have to answer for it. No longer will we have to hear talk from the father of Lonzo if he doesn’t perform on the floor.

On the other hand, the Lakers have a lot to be excited about. Now the doubt can sort of fade away. They have a player they’ll likely look to keep for the long term and get them back to the better days.

Next: 3 Reasons To Be Wary Of Paul George Trade

Forget the talk, and play ball.