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Report: Lakers' front office in disagreement about drafting Ball

Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

Lonzo Ball being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers is apparently still not a done deal. While that report is not new, there are "some genuine disagreements" in the Lakers' front office over who the team should select, according to ESPN's Chad Ford.

The organization is also going out of its way to stifle the idea that Ball is a lock for them, Ford reports.

While conventional wisdom for months has linked Chino Hills native and UCLA product Ball with his hometown purple and gold, the Lakers are believed to still have interest in De'Aaron Fox and Josh Jackson with the No. 2 pick in the June 22 draft. While both Ball and his father LaVar have plainly stated a preference for the Lakers, a report last month suggested they were open to working out for the Philadelphia 76ers, who select third.

Related: Fultz visits Celtics, who reportedly still have him atop draft board

Both projected NBA point guards, Lonzo is more of a facilitator and shooter while Fox is more out of the Russell Westbrook mold. Jackson, a 6-foot-7 wing, is generally considered to be the best non-guard in the draft.

Lakers president Magic Johnson has said on multiple occasions that he doesn't consider the media antics of LaVar to be an obstruction in drafting Lonzo. Phoenix Suns general manager Ryan McDonough has said the same thing, and Ford reports that the Suns are hoping Lonzo drops all the way to fourth, where Phoenix currently selects.

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