- The Washington Times - Thursday, May 25, 2017

Lonzo Ball really, really wants to be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Ball, regarded as one of the top prospects in this year’s draft, declined to work out for the Boston Celtics, which hold the No. 1 pick.

Danny Ainge, Celtics president of basketball operations, revealed the news Thursday on his weekly radio appearance with 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston.

Ball and his father, Lavar Ball, have openly admitted they want the Lakers to select him with the No. 2 pick. Ball went to UCLA and grew up in Chino Hills.

“We just tried to get him in for a workout and they politely said no,” Ainge said.

According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the decision to not work out for the Celtics necessarily wouldn’t stop Boston from selecting Ball if they felt he was the best player available.

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Washington point guard Markelle Fultz is generally seen as the best player in the draft class.

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