LA will draft second overall for the third year in a row, and the current projections show the team getting Lonzo Ball out of UCLA
By Shahan Ahmed ••
The Los Angeles Lakers won big on Tuesday night when the team landed the No. 2 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery.
While the Boston Celtics landed the No. 1 overall pick, the Lakers had the most to lose on the night, as the team needed to finish in the top three to keep its first round pick or the pick would have gone to the Philadelphia 76ers as part of the Steve Nash trade. The Lakers were more likely to lose the pick than keep it, but as luck would have it, LA moved up from the No. 3 spot to the No. 2 position.
Now, LA will draft second overall for the third year in a row, and the current projections show the team getting Lonzo Ball out of UCLA.
In addition, keeping their first round pick meant that the Lakers no longer owed the Orlando Magic the 2019 first round pick in relation to the Dwight Howard trade from the summer of 2012. Instead, the Lakers will now give the Magic two second round picks.
Ultimately, Tuesday night was a big win for the Lakers' rebuild. The team will still give its 2018 first round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers, which means that tanking will no longer be beneficial for the 2017-18 season.
Anthony Davis shakes hands with Flea prior to a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on February 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Mark Wahlberg attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on February 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Celtics legend Bill Russell wears a Kobe Bryant Jersey to a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on February 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
(L-R) Byron Allen, Chris Tucker and Bubba Watson attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on February 10, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
(L-R) Dana White, Paige Butcher, Eddie Murphy and Jeffrey Katzenberg attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics at Staples Center on February 23, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
JoJo Siwa attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns at Staples Center on February 10, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Jake Gyllenhaal attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on February 04, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Yasiel Puig, Irv Bauman, Lisa Parigi and Lionel Richie attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on February 04, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Usher attends the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers game at Staples Center on January 31, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Adam Sandler attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Staples Center on February 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
Actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau attends the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies basketball game at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
Rapper Young Thug (R) talks to JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers after the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies basketball game at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
Mattias Ferrell and his father actor Will Ferrell attend the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies basketball game at Staples Center on February 21, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Jack Nicholson (L) and Ray Nicholson attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks at Staples Center on January 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Dwight Howard (L) talks to Metta World Peace during halftime of a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks at Staples Center on January 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Kane Brown and Katelyn Jae attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks at Staples Center on January 07, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Comedians, Michael Che and Hannibal Buress attend the game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers on January 7, 2020 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers lands on Kevin Hart at the end of the first half of a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers as his kids Heaven Hart and Hendrix Hart and wife Eniko Parrish look on at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
aTrevor Noah (C) attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Recording artist The Weekend attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Anthony Kiedis attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on December 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Tyrese Gibson and Idris Elba attend Los Angeles Lakers vs Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
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Holly Sonders, Vegas Dave and Ray Nicholson attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on December 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Behati Prinsloo (L) and Whitney Hartley Wagner attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on December 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Singer Lizzo (C) attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on December 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Malcolm Washington (L) and Denzel Washington attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on December 01, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on December 01, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Floyd Mayweather Jr. attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Musician Flea and Melody Ehsani attend the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers basketball game at Staples Center on November 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actor Rami Malek and Lucy Boynton attend the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers basketball game at Staples Center on November 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers and NBA legend, Kobe Bryant high five before the game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 17, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
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LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers high fives NBA Legend Kobe Bryant during a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks on November 17, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.
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Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on November 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Vegas Dave, Shawn Lameh, Eniko Hart, Kevin Hart and Jeffrey Katzenberg attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on November 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Quavo, Vegas Dave and Shawn Lameh during a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on November 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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Melvin Gordon #25 of the Los Angeles Chargers attends the basketball game between Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 8, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Sportscaster Erin Andrews (R) and Jarret Stoll attend the basketball game between Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 8, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Actress Kate Beckinsale and Jonathan Voluck attend the basketball game between Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 8, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 25: Melissa Forde and Rihanna attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz at the at Staples Center on October 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork S. Djansezian/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Soccer Player, David Beckham, and Romeo Beckham attend the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies on October 27, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Jerry Lorenzo (L) and his son attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Fat Joe (L) and Vegas Dave attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Adam Levine attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 29: Jimmy Iovine attends a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on October 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 27: (l-R) Rich the Kid, Lil Pump, RD Whittington and Travis Barker attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on October 27, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 29: Designer, Jerry Lorenzo attends the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies on October 29, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 29: Musician, Flea attends the Memphis Grizzlies game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 29, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 29: Rapper, Casanova attends the Memphis Grizzlies game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 29, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 25: Actor Jack Nicholson attends the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz on October 25, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 25: Actor James Corden attends the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz on October 25, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, talks with rapper 2 Chainz after the Lakers' NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Nuggets won 115-99. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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David Beckham attends a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 27, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actress Disha Patani watches the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers during a 123-120 win at Staples Center on January 31, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 21: Snoop Dogg and manager Big Percy courtside before the game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 21, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Ron Howard, left, and Clint Howard attend an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks Friday, March 1, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 29: Model Kendall Jenner and agent Rich Paul during a timeout in the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Actor Kevin Hart, left, shakes hands with actor Leonardo DiCaprio during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Los Angeles. The 76ers won 121-105. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actor Ashton Kutcher watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actor Rami Malek, center, and Lucy Boynton sit courtside during an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Kendall Jenner watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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New York Giants football player Odell Beckham Jr. watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actors Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara watch during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actor Mahershala Ali, left, watches an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Boxer Manny Pacquiao smiles as he attends an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Actress Kate Beckinsale watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Cavaliers won 101-95. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Television personality Khloe Kardashian watches during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Cavaliers won 101-95. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Los Angeles Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss, left, and actor Arsenio Hall laugh during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Cavaliers won 101-95. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Jeanie Buss, left, controlling owner and president of the Los Angeles Lakers, talks with director Spike Lee before an NBA basketball game between the Lakers and the New York Knicks on Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actresses Jessica Alba, left, and Gabrielle Union pose for a photo before the start of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
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Rapper Future during the game between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actor Adam Sandler shakes hands with fans as he leaves after watching an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 121-113. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Singer Lionel Richie, right, sits with movie producer Jeffrey Katzenberg during the first half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Actor Denzel Washington, left, talks with Magic Johnson, right, and Denzel's wife, Pauletta, during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 114-110. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Odell Beckham Jr. courtside during the game between the Toronto Raptors and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on November 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Jack Nicholson attends a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Jonah Hill and Na-kel Smith attend a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Kendall Jenner attends a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Houston rapper Travis Scott attends a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Kate Beckinsale attends a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 20, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Singer Geri Horner, also known as Ginger Spice, center, sits with her husband, Christian Horner, right, and Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Spurs won 143-142. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Rapper Nipsey Hussle shakes hands with Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on December 25, 2017 in Los Angeles.
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Actor George Lopez attends the Los Angeles Lakers game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Staples Center on December 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actor Jack Nicholson sits courtside as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actor Jack Nicholson is seen courtside as the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.
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Jack Black and Will Ferrell attend a Los Angeles Lakers game in this undated photo.
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Actress Lauren Graham (L) and model Cindy Crawford attend the playoff game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets on April 19, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actress Lauren Graham (R) and friend attend the playoff game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets on April 19, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actor Leonardo DiCaprio (R) plays with Vanessa Bryant's daughter at the playoff game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets on April 19, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actor Dustin Hoffman attends the playoff game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles on April 28, 2004 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actor Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta attend the playoff game between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles on April 28, 2004 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actor Adam Sandler attends Game 4 of the Western Conference semi-finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers on May 11, 2004 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actors Adam Sandler (L) and David Spade attend Game 4 of the Western Conference semi-finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers on May 11, 2004 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Actor Sidney Poitier attends Game Six of the NBA Western Conference Finals between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers on May 31, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake smile from their courtside seats during the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on April 21, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Luke Wilson (L) and Pete Sampras (R) attend the Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets game at Staples Center on May 6, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)
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Rapper Jay-Z and singer Beyonce attend a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks on February 24, 2010 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
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Actor Sylvester Stallone attends the NBA game between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 25, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
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Actress Lindsay Lohan attends the game between the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 9, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 109-87.
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Actor Mark Wahlberg and his son Michael Wahlberg smile courtside during the game against the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 31, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actress Camilla Belle attends the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers basketball game at Staples Center on April 3, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.
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Soccer star David Beckham and his son Romeo Beckham smile courtside during the game against the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 31, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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Actress January Jones sits courtside during Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on May 2, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Will Ferrell (L) and John C. Reilly attend the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on May 2, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images)
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Actor Will Ferrell shouts during the game between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 28, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.
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Actor Michael B. Jordan attends the game between the LA Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers on December 25, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Heaven Hart, Hendrix Hart, Kevin Hart and Eniko Parrish attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
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While Ball is the most likely selection with the no. 2 pick, the Lakers may end up with point guard Markelle Fultz out of Washington. Ball and Fultz appear to be the two standout players in the 2017 NBA Draft, and the Lakers will likely take whichever of the two players the Celtics do not pick. It is a similar scenario to the 2016 NBA Draft when the Lakers took Brandon Ingram after the Philadelphia 76ers decided on Ben Simmons with the no. 1 pick.
Entering the night with the most to lose and after losing so much in recent seasons, the Lakers finally got a big win in the 2017 NBA Draft Lottery. And finally, the Lakers appear to be out of tank mode.
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LOS ANGELES - APRIL 9: Shaquille O'Neal #34 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on April 9, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 103-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by: Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)
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Shaquille O'Neal poses after the unveiling of a statue of him in front of Staples Center, Friday, March 24, 2017, in Los Angeles.
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Shaquille O'Neal, left, speaks as Kobe Bryant, center, and Phil Jackson listen after the unveiling of a statue of O'Neal in front of Staples Center, Friday, March 24, 2017, in Los Angeles.
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Former Los Angeles Lakers player Shaquille O'Neal speaks after unveiling of his statue at Staples Center March 24, 2017, in Los Angeles, California.
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Shaquille O'Neal, left, and Kobe Bryant laugh as they attend the unveiling of a statue of O'Neal in front of Staples Center, Friday, March 24, 2017, in Los Angeles.
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Fans cheer during unveiling of former Los Angeles Laker player Shaquille O'Neal's statue at Staples Center March 24, 2017, in Los Angeles, California.
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A fan strikes a pose similar to one in the photo of Shaquille O'Neal, at the unveiling of O'Neal's statue in front of Staples Center, Friday, March 24, 2017, in Los Angeles.
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1 Nov 1996: Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O''Neal (right) and guard Derek Fisher look on during a game against the Phoenix Suns at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. The Lakers won the game, 96-82. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn
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Shaquille O'Neal at the 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno' at the NBC Studios in Burbank, Ca. 6/20/01. (Los Angeles) Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
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25 Mar 1998: Center Shaquille O''Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the Sacramento Kings during a game at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. The Lakers defeated the Kings 114-91. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Laforet /Allsport
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25 Apr 1997: A fan holds up a sign talking about Shaquille O''Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers during a playoff game against the Portland Trailblazers at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. The Lakers won the game 95-77. Mandatory Credit: Jas
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Shaquille O'Neal at "An Evening with Shaquille O'Neal" at The Palm Downtown in Los Angeles to benefit several charities. Friday, April 12, 2002. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.
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8 May 2001: Shaquille O''Neal #34 of the Los Angeles Lakers makes a slam dunk during round two of the NBA Western Conference Playoff Game against the Sacramento Kings at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Kings 96-90. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorial sports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport
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LOS ANGELES - DECEMBER 7: Shaquille O'Neal #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers slams home a basket over Greg Ostertag #00 of the Utah Jazz on December 7, 2003 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES - JUNE 6: (R) Actor Dustin Hoffman watches the Lakers Shaquille O'Neal during game one of the 2004 NBA Finals between the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center, June 6, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
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ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 5: Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal (R) speaks to guests at the 2nd Annual "California Gold Star Awards" dinner gala and auction at the Disneyland Hotel on April 5, 2003 in Anaheim, California. The gala honours homeland security and salutes outstanding law enforcement/distinguished citizens of California. (Photo by Robert Mora/Getty Images)
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391596 03: Basketball stars Kobe Bryant presents Shaquille O''Neal an award during the 16th annual Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular Banquet at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Harry How/Allsport/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 13: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with former teammate Shaquille O'Neal after scoring 60 points in his final NBA game at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Utah Jazz 101-96. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
