With this year's draft only a few months away, some of the top prospects are already beginning to talk about it and voicing out their opinions.

Markelle Fultz recently made it known that he expects to be chosen first overall, and also said he is open to playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, should they have the opportunity to take him. Lonzo Ball followed suit during his appearance on the latest episode of ESPN's Sports Nation, doubling down on his prior statement about wanting to play for the Los Angeles Lakers. The 19-year-old did not hesitate to say he'd rather play for his hometown team rather than be selected first overall.

“All my family is in L.A. so I would be able to play in front of them. That would mean more to me.”

Ball is projected to be a top-three pick in the draft after his stellar stint at UCLA, leading the Bruins to the NCAA Tournament before being eliminated by Kentucky in the Sweet 16. He averaged 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.8 steals per game.

Although he may play less minutes with the Lakers, the idea of playing for a big market team, the glamour of Los Angeles, and being near family is something that Ball believes is more valuable than being selected first overall. Should he get his wish, Lonzo Ball will be another piece the Lakers can add to speed up their rebuilding process and turn the team into a winning group once again.