The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Lonzo Ball with the 2nd pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, last night on June 22. Today, Magic Johnson who is the President of Basketball Operations, introduced what could be the Next "Face of the Lakers".
There have only been a FEW "Face of the Lakers" and it's a position most people run from.
The last to have an opportunity to be that Face was Dwight Howard. However he didn't have the heart or the work ethic. He has since been traded twice and is on the decline.
The first was George Mikan who led the first era of Lakers Championships, winning 5 of them when the franchise began in Minnesota. Next there was Elgin Baylor, and eventually he was joined by Jerry West. Jerry was the man, who helped the Los Angeles Lakers finally win their first championship since relocating. While he had help from an aging Wilt Chamberlain, everyone knows that was Jerry's team.
Not long after that, came Kareem Abdul-Jabar, who shared that title with the young Magic Johnson. Together they went on to win 5 championships for this historic franchise. Then, while still operating as a GM For the Lakers, Jerry West brought Shaquille Oneal and Kobe Bryant together in L.A.
Kobe and Shaq would dominate the League for 3 consecutive championships. After Shaq was traded away to Miami, the organization would eventually see Kobe Bryant lead them back to 2 more championships.
Magic Johnson shared his hopes that the new draft pick for the Lakers can help lead this franchise back to where it used to be. For the past few seasons the Lakers have been one of the worst teams in the NBA. With the Lakers also picking up several more quality draft picks last night seems like the start of something special.
Josh Hart and Thomas Bryant are NBA Ready... not projects.
Lakers pulled off this crafty Draft night deal in old school Lakers fashion.
For the past years under bad leadership, the Lakers have not been picking up talent. That's the best way to put it. The people making decisions were more concerned with, contracts and financials. The business of the Lakers is winning championships. When you win, the money takes care of itself.