Lakers great Magic Johnson picks successor in Lonzo Ball

By Lewis Krauskopf NEW YORK - Magic Johnson revolutionized the point guard position during his career with the Los Angeles Lakers and on Thursday, in his new role of running the team, picked a player in his own image to lead them back to contention. With the second overall pick of the NBA Draft, the Lakers selected 19-year-old local standout Lonzo Ball of UCLA, a player capable of reviving the fast-paced 'Showtime' style that Johnson made famous. At 6-foot-6, Ball is tall for his position, like Johnson was, and similarly heralded for his brilliant passing and ability to push the pace and run the fast break.