NEW YORK >> The script feels as predictable as a Hollywood summer blockbuster.
A star basketball player grows up in Southern California determined to model his game after Magic Johnson, the Hall of Fame Lakers point guard whose playing career was over before this prodigy was born.
Johnson brought “Showtime” style to the 1980s Lakers with no-look passes, clutch shots and an infectious smile, qualities Lonzo Ball mimicked during a standout career at Chino Hills High and his one season at UCLA.
With his father, LaVar, hyping his game and his Big Baller Brand, Lonzo was cast as the next Hollywood star before he played a minute for the Bruins. Now, with the Lakers securing the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft lottery on Tuesday, many in NBA circles consider it highly likely Ball will end up in a Lakers uniform.
“The Lakers already publicly have been out in the media and other places expressing their excitement and interest in Lonzo Ball,” Turner Sports NBA analyst Stu Jackson said. “Barring any unforeseen glitches in the draft, he probably falls in their lap.”
LaVar Ball frequently touted his son as a future Laker. Though the Boston Celtics own the No. 1 pick and can select whoever they want, most expect they will choose Washington guard Markelle Fultz. Ball might refuse to work out for the Celtics, but NBA talent evaluators view Fultz as a better fit in Boston anyway.
“Markelle Fultz is the guy I like the best in this group of prospects,” said longtime NBA consultant Ryan Blake, who raved about Fultz’s versatility, floor vision, outside shot and passing. “He’s going to be a better scorer. He’s a better defender because of his size. He’s extra long with a 6-9 wingspan. Those instincts give him a slight edge.”
Ball might have the slight edge when it comes to being a better fit for the Lakers, though. Though Fultz set a freshman single-season scoring record with the Huskies (579 points), he took some criticism for failing to carry Washington to the NCAA Tournament.
Meanwhile, Jackson viewed Ball as “potentially a transformational-type point guard” who provided a healthy mix of scoring and passing anytime he had the ball. NBA talent evaluators see those qualities blending well with a young Lakers roster that includes guards D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson but seems more geared to scoring.
“What makes him special are the same qualities that made a guy like Magic Johnson or Jason Kidd special,” Jackson said. “Lonzo sees plays most players don’t see.”
Just like a film set, though, there is the potential for off-screen distractions that can create unwanted tension. LaVar Ball has already become a polarizing figure because of his boasts about his son’s play and his shoe brand. On Wednesday, Ball told “The Herd” radio co-host Kristine Leahy to “stay in your lane” after she asked how many pairs of shoes he has sold and pointed out the company could do a better job marketing to women.
The early reaction, however, suggests NBA talent evaluators are more consumed with Lonzo Ball’s talent than his father’s attention-seeking antics. They downplayed whether LaVar Ball could eventually undermine Lakers coach Luke Walton or upset his son’s future teammates.
“I don’t really have an issue with it,” said an NBA assistant coach from another team. “Lonzo has to go out and play. You have to look at Lonzo’s ability, determine what is his ceiling and where can he be. Once you look at that, the father doesn’t make a difference.”
Johnson, now the Lakers president of basketball operations, and General Manager Rob Pelinka have shared similar sentiments. While some believe Lonzo Ball will face additional challenges in living up to hype from his father (or anyone else), most believe he has the makeup to overcome those obstacles.
“You can never look into a guy’s heart, but Lonzo has a lot of confidence and not cockiness,” Blake said. “The game is quicker and faster, and you’re playing against bigger players. You have to adapt to those things. Confidence is a key and help from the coaching staff. If he shows that, the transition can be good.”
Ball does not have a workout scheduled with the Lakers just yet. They plan to have a workout on Thursday for Arizona center Chance Comanche and Louisville forward Jaylen Johnson — possible candidates for their late first-round pick (No. 28). As ESPN first reported, the Lakers’ workout on Thursday will also include Xavier’s Trevon Bluiett, UCLA’s Isaac Hamilton, Michigan’s Zak Irvin & Miami’s Davon Reed.
As for other options with the No. 2 pick, NBA talent evaluators tepidly mentioned Kansas forward Josh Jackson, Kentucky point guard De’Aaron Fox and Duke forward Jayson Tatum. They also expressed doubt the Lakers would trade their No. 2 pick and/or some of their young players for Indiana forward Paul George.
“They’re still very much in a developmental stage given the number of young assets they currently have, some of whom I think will be very good NBA players,” Jackson said. “I don’t know if getting a veteran like Paul George helps you circumvent the process and take a giant leap by giving up the No. 2 pick.”
That’s because the Lakers are expected to use that pick on Ball, a player they see as a creative, playmaker who can help accelerate their rebuilding project and perhaps anchor “Showtime” 2.0.