Lonzo Ball was selected as the 2nd overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. This milestone event took place on June 22, 2017, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Entering the league as a 19-year-old sensation from UCLA, Ball was one of the most anticipated prospects of the decade. Known for his elite court vision and playmaking ability, he spearheaded a new era for the Lakers.
Since his 2017 debut, he has evolved into a seasoned veteran across multiple storied franchises.
The Definitive Breakdown of Lonzo Ball’s 2017 NBA Draft
The 2017 draft night remains one of the most scrutinized and celebrated evenings in recent basketball history, largely due to the arrival of Lonzo Ball. As a homegrown talent from Southern California, his selection by the Lakers felt like a predetermined destiny.
The Venue and Atmosphere in Brooklyn
The draft was held on June 22, 2017, at the Barclays Center, where thousands of fans gathered to witness the future of the league.
Ball, then 19 years and 238 days old, walked across the stage to shake the commissioner’s hand as the new face of the Los Angeles backcourt. His entry was supported by a massive public marketing campaign and the representation of agent Harrison Gaines.
Selection Strategy and the Number Two Pick
The Los Angeles Lakers held the second overall pick and chose Ball as the cornerstone of their rebuilding efforts. He entered the professional ranks as an elite playmaker following a historic freshman season.
The pick was seen as a bold move to return “Showtime” basketball to Los Angeles, prioritizing transition play and high-IQ passing over traditional scoring.
A Historic Collegiate Run: Why UCLA Ball Changed Everything
Lonzo Ball’s draft stock was built on a single, transformative year in Westwood. His impact on the collegiate game was immediate, turning a struggling program into a national powerhouse almost overnight.
Shattering Records in Westwood
In his lone season at UCLA (2016–2017), Ball averaged a staggering 14.6 points, 7.6 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game. These numbers only tell half the story.
His presence completely transformed the Bruins’ offense into the highest-scoring unit in the country. By playing a fast-paced, unselfish brand of basketball, he made every teammate on the floor a more efficient threat.
Leading the Nation in Distribution
Ball’s most impressive collegiate feat was leading the entire NCAA in total assists, finishing the season with 274 helpers. This passing prowess earned him the Wayman Tisdale Award, given to the nation’s top freshman.
Furthermore, he was recognized as a consensus First-Team All-American, cementing his status as a lock for the top of the draft board.
The Cultural Impact of the Big Baller Brand
Beyond the court, Lonzo was part of a unique media whirlwind. Driven by the public marketing of his father, LaVar Ball, the Big Baller Brand became a household name before Lonzo ever played an NBA minute.
This added a layer of pressure and visibility rarely seen for a rookie, making his transition to the professional level a global talking point.
Essential Draft Day Facts and Figures
To understand the scale of Lonzo Ball’s entry into the league, it is helpful to look at the official data points from his rookie signing and draft profile.
| Category | Official Detail |
|---|---|
| Draft Date | June 22, 2017 |
| Draft Round | 1st Round |
| Pick Number | 2nd Overall |
| Drafting Team | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Rookie Contract | 4-year, $33.4 million |
| Pre-Draft College | UCLA Bruins |
| Agent | Harrison Gaines |
| Birth Date | October 27, 1997 |
Who Else Was in the 2017 Draft Class?
The 2017 class is widely considered one of the most talented in the modern era. While Lonzo took the second spot, the surrounding names have gone on to define the current landscape of the NBA.
| Pick Number | Player Selected | Team | College / Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Markelle Fultz | Philadelphia 76ers | Washington |
| 2 | Lonzo Ball | Los Angeles Lakers | UCLA |
| 3 | Jayson Tatum | Boston Celtics | Duke |
| 4 | Josh Jackson | Phoenix Suns | Kansas |
| 5 | De’Aaron Fox | Sacramento Kings | Kentucky |
The Evolution of a Playmaker: Moving Beyond the Lakers
Lonzo Ball has only been drafted once, but his career has spanned four different organizations as he transitioned from a young prospect to a veteran leader. His journey reflects the modern NBA’s movement and the value placed on his specific skill set.
The Tenure in Los Angeles and the New Orleans Transition
Lonzo spent his first two seasons (2017–2019) with the Lakers, where he showed flashes of brilliance despite injury setbacks. In 2019, he was a primary piece in the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers, landing Lonzo with the New Orleans Pelicans.
During his time in New Orleans (2019–2021), he significantly improved his perimeter shooting and defensive versatility.
Chicago and the Sign-and-Trade Success
In 2021, Ball joined the Chicago Bulls via a sign-and-trade agreement. His arrival in Chicago coincided with a resurgence for the franchise, as he provided the defensive identity and floor spacing necessary for their playoff ambitions.
He remained with the Bulls through the 2024-25 season, establishing himself as one of the premier “3-and-D” playmakers in the league.
Joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2025
The latest chapter of his career began in 2025 when he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers via free agency. This move marked a transition to a roster built for deep post-season runs.
Lonzo’s veteran presence helped the Cavaliers achieve a formidable 52-30 record in the 2025-26 season, ranking them among the elite teams in the Eastern Conference.
Redefining the Game: Lonzo Ball’s Growth as a Shooter
One of the most remarkable aspects of Lonzo’s career since his 2017 selection is his transformation as a perimeter threat. Initially criticized for an unconventional shooting form, he worked tirelessly to become an elite marksman.
From Criticized Mechanics to Elite Accuracy
Early in his career, analysts questioned whether Ball’s shot would translate to the professional level. However, by the 2025-26 season, he emerged as one of the league’s most prolific three-point shooters.
He averaged 3.8 made three-pointers per game, placing him second in the league only to Luka Dončić. This evolution has made him an indispensable asset in modern, space-oriented offenses.
Impact on Team Schemes and Spacing
Lonzo’s ability to hit shots at a high volume (3.8 3PM) while maintaining his trademark passing has changed how defenses must play him. He no longer just facilitates for others; he is a gravity-inducing threat that opens up the lane for his teammates.
In Cleveland, this has allowed for a highly efficient offensive rating of 119.2, one of the best in the league.
Lonzo Ball by the Numbers: Career Statistics and Milestones
Reviewing Ball’s statistical trajectory highlights his consistency as a multi-categorical contributor. From his UCLA days to his current veteran status, he has always found ways to impact the box score beyond just scoring.
- NCAA Assist Leader: Totaled 274 assists in his single season at UCLA.
- Triple-Double Threat: Has maintained a reputation for rebounding and passing excellence throughout his pro career.
- Three-Point Volume: Reached an elite tier by 2026, averaging nearly 4 makes per game from deep.
- Team Leadership: Has been a core part of rotations that led teams like the 2026 Cavaliers to 50+ win seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lonzo Ball’s Draft History
How many times has Lonzo Ball been drafted?
Lonzo Ball has only been drafted once in his career. In the NBA, a player enters the league through a single draft event and thereafter moves between teams via trades or free agency. For Lonzo, that single entry point was the 2017 NBA Draft.
What was Lonzo Ball’s age on draft night?
At the time of the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, Lonzo Ball was 19 years and 238 days old. He was born on October 27, 1997, making him one of the younger prospects in his class at the time of selection.
Which team originally drafted Lonzo Ball?
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick in 2017. He remained with the organization for two seasons before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019.
The Legacy of the 2017 Number Two Pick
Reflecting on the 2017 draft nearly a decade later, Lonzo Ball’s impact remains significant. While injuries have occasionally hampered his availability, his influence on the game’s pace and the “positionless” nature of modern playmaking is undeniable.
He successfully navigated the transition from a highly-touted UCLA freshman to a respected veteran leader in the NBA.
As he continues his journey with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lonzo serves as a prime example of how a player can refine their game to stay relevant in an ever-evolving league.
His shift from a pass-first specialist to an elite floor spacer who leads the league in three-pointers is a testament to his work ethic and basketball intelligence. For fans looking back at the 2017 draft, Lonzo Ball remains the defining playmaker of his class.
