It turns out the Josh Jackson to Los Angeles buzz was just starting to hum when the one-and-done Kansas standout [canceled a workout with Boston][1] the week before the NBA Draft. Less than 24 hours later, Jackson showed up Tuesday at the Lakers’ practice facility for an examination with the Celtics’ historical rival.
A possible draft target for L.A., which owns the No. 2 pick, Jackson [told media following the session][2] he was excited about working out for the Lakers for the second time in a six-day span.
> “I was all for it. Of course, I’m not
> gonna tell them no,” Jackson said. “It
> was just an honor to be here today. I
> just want to thank the whole
> organization for having me.”
The 20-year-old wing who displayed his versatility on both ends of the court throughout his lone season with the Jayhawks met with and played in front of Lakers legend and president of basketball operations Magic Johnson, head coach Luke Walton and other members of the organization the previous week, too. That was in Sacramento, with Jackson’s trainer, and more on his terms.
> “But today I kind of got out of my
> comfort zone a little bit working out
> with their training staff,” Jackson
> said. “I thought both went pretty
> good.”
In the mind of the 6-foot-8 prospect from Detroit, he felt in better shape for workout No. 2, and his objective for the on-court job interview was to provide proof that he’s addressed some of his perceived weaknesses as a player, such as 3-point shooting and ball-handling.
> “A lot of things people know I can do.
> I’m athletic, long, lanky,” the
> 203-pound athlete with a 6-9 3/4
> wingspan said, “but I’m just trying to
> show that I’ve improved since the end
> of the season at Kansas.”
From the moment the Lakers secured the No. 2 pick via the draft lottery, many assumed the organization would select UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball in that spot — right after the Celtics presumably take Washington guard Markelle Fultz at No. 1. But given the Lakers’ interest in meeting with Jackson a second time (they reportedly are trying to do the same with Ball), the incoming rookie was asked whether his chances of playing for L.A. seem to be improving.
> “It was definitely more of a ‘come in,
> try to impress them.’ And hopefully I
> impressed them enough,” Jackson
> replied. “But they can’t look past any
> guy in this draft because we’re all
> really, really talented, and I think
> we all bring a lot to the table.”
Fultz, Jackson, Ball and Kentucky point guard De’Aaron Fox, who worked out for the Lakers before Jackson on Tuesday, all seem to be coveted talents. The rumors and conjecture surrounding who ends up where only will ramp up between now and the June 22 draft.
[1]: http://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/smithology/2017/jun/13/what-to-make-of-josh-jackson-canceling-p/
[2]: http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/170613-draft-workout-josh-jackson
