Lonzo Ball Says Lakers 'Need a Leader' and Executives 'Love' LaVar Ball

Lonzo Ball spoke to reporters Wednesday following his workout with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers shared a photo of Ball from the workout:

When asked why the team should select him with the second overall pick in the 2017 draft, Ball responded the Lakers "need a leader," per ESPN's Jovan Buha:

Lonzo also downplayed any potential influence his father, LaVar, would have on the Lakers' decision-making. He said the team's front-office executives "love" LaVar, per Spectrum SportsNet's Mike Bresnahan.

According to Spectrum SportsNet's Mike Trudell, Lonzo had dinner with Lakers head coach Luke Walton, president of basketball operations Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka on Tuesday night. Following his workout, Ball will have lunch with members of the Buss family.

LaVar confirmed in May that Lonzo only planned to work out for the Lakers ahead of the June 22 draft. The strategy is somewhat risky considering how much can happen on draft night, and Lonzo declined to comment on whether he will hold another official workout, telling reporters he'll "leave that up to my agent," per Ward.

Ball averaged 14.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.6 assists in his only season with the UCLA Bruins. While considered a point guard, he said Wednesday he envisions himself being capable of guarding both guard positions, as well as small forward, per Bresnahan.

In his most recent mock draft, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman has the Lakers selecting Josh Jackson with the second overall pick and Ball going to the Philadelphia 76ers at third overall.