NBA Free Agency News: Los Angeles Lakers start working out draft hopefuls, Lonzo Ball and Tacko Fall on the list
The Los Angeles Lakers have started work on their rebuilding once again, starting workouts with prospects for the 2017 NBA Draft. Lonzo Ball is an obvious target for the purple and gold but Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka know for a fact that they need to be ready for the inevitable.
Their spot in the 2017 NBA Draft will depend if lady luck smiles on them during the lottery. The NBA Lottery will take place on May 16 and the Lakers are hoping for the best on its top-three protected pick. If all goes well, that may be used on Ball or Markelle Fultz, depending on their position, Lakers Nation reports.
Aside from Lonzo Ball or Markelle Fultz, the Lakers need to be prepared as well to gamble on other draft prospects. Taking on one player will not make a big difference, meaning they still need to do their homework and scout other late round prospects.
The Lakers are doing just that, working out other hopefuls. They worked out two prospects Wednesday and one Thursday, according to Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times. One of the players the Lakers worked out was Tacko Fall, a 7-foot-6 player from Senegal who owns a wingspan of over eight feet.
With his size, his main strengths are obviously rebounding and shot-blocking. If the Lakers get the chance to snag him, he could be a valuable rim protector and rebounder the team has been sorely lacking.
Looking at his numbers for Central Florida, his waterloo seems to be from the charity stripe. Being a man who will always be fouled, it is an area that would need work. But then again, Shaquille O’ Neal had the same problem but managed to make adjustments.
Ball and Fall could end up wearing the purple and gold if the Lakers are lucky in the coming draft. Aside from the draft, the Lakers will also be keeping an eye on possible free agent prospects.
Paul George’s name has been linked to the Lakers, made louder with the decision of Larry Bird to step down. There is no telling if a trade is forthcoming, entirely depending on who will succeed the former Boston Celtics hotshot.
George may opt to play out the last season and then worry about his next move next summer. If the Pacers are certain he is lost, a Paul George departure may happen but before the February 2018 trade deadline and not this summer.
