Much of the talk heading into the 2017 NBA Draft later this month for the Los Angeles Lakers involves the potential selection of UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball with their second overall pick.

However, that conversation has taken a bit of an intriguing turn with recent reports stating that Ball isn't necessarily a lock for them at their selection. According to Mark Medina of the Orange Register, Miami Heat president Pat Riley, stated during an interview at American Express-sponsored event on Monday night that he believes Magic Johnson will take the former UCLA product.

“When things aren’t going good the first year, he’s going to go down there and want to be Lonzo Ball’s mentor … ” Riley said.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal stands next to Kobe Bryant with GOAT signs in background
Shaquille O’Neal has no regrets over treatment of Kobe BryantRandall Barnes ·
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Lakers’ Austin Reaves trade strategy as 2 center targets emergeErik Slater ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James dumps fuel on Brian Windhorst feud with calloutMalik Brown ·
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (left) defends against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center.
Nick Wright drops the mic on LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry debateScotty White ·
Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena
Luka Doncic reveals initial thought on living in LA after Lakers tradeJosue Pavon ·
Cooper Flagg talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Lakers set first Cooper Flagg, Mavericks matchup in Las VegasMalik Brown ·

Although the Lakers have tittered back and forth on their thinking involving Ball, Riley's perspective may have provided some much-needed insight into Johnson's true evaluation of the 19-year-old. This revelation shouldn't come as much of a surprise given that the Hall of Famer has spoken highly of Ball in the last few weeks in various interviews with the media.

There should more clarity on the situation after Ball goes through an individual workout for the team on Wednesday where he's also expected to meet with the coaching staff and front office personnel. If he has a strong showing, it should all but cement his status at the Lakers' preferred choice at their second overall pick if he's still on the board.

Ball is coming off a strong freshman year at UCLA where he led the nation with 7.6 assists per game while also breaking the school single-season record with 274 assists. He is the first player in the Pac-12 to have at least 14.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game since Jason Kidd, who played at the University of California, Berkeley in the 1992-93 season.