The Los Angeles Lakers hold the No. 2 pick in this year's NBA Draft and the latest rumor is the team could have Kansas forward Josh Jackson in their sights. In fact, the Lakers might have given Jackson a promise they'll draft him.
There was a report yesterday the Lakers have likely promised to draft Jackson, but that has been contradicted. It started with a report from an Arizona-based reporter.
Josh Jackson has been promised - has worked out for Lakers in LA. Has not worked out for Phoenix yet. It could be Philly but likely Lakers.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) June 12, 2017
But then came the contradiction from Steve Kyler.
I saw reports of Jackson having a promise - if he has one it's not the Lakers, they have been adamant they have promised nothing to anyone.
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) June 13, 2017
With a second workout also planned for today and the buzz around Jackson and the Lakers, it's at least a possibility the team will take Jackson over Lonzo Ball. Before much of the pre-draft process, it seemed like a sure thing Lavar Ball would get his wish and the Lakers would take the UCLA PG. Instead, there's at least some drama around the No. 2 overall pick in the weeks leading up to the NBA Draft.
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As for possible reasons why there are conflicting reports, perhaps the Suns believe there's a draft promise (Gambadaro does work in Arizona). Or maybe both sides are correct and the 76ers have actually promised Jackson (or even another team not mentioned). A third option this is smoke coming from a team (it is draft season after all). If the Lakers want to trade down and still land Lonzo Ball (or someone else), the best way would be to get a trade to move up to take the player they covet, like Jackson.
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