Bryan Colangelo: Sixers Hope to Meet With Lonzo Ball Before NBA Draft

CAMDEN, N.J. -- The Sixers have not met with Lonzo Ball, but they hope to do so before the NBA draft on June 22. 
 
"[We] haven't yet … It's certainly something that we would like to arrange with Lonzo," Sixers president of operations Bryan Colangelo said Monday after the team's first pre-draft workout at their practice facility. 
 
ESPN.com previously reported Ball, whose camp has been selective with the former UCLA guard's pre-draft meetings, would consider working out with the Sixers. His father, LaVar, has made his desire for his son to play for the Lakers extremely clear.
 
Ball has been the projected second pick behind Washington guard Markelle Fultz. There have been questions as the draft nears, however, if the Lakers would pass on him at No. 2 because of his heavily-involved, outspoken father. The Lakers are reportedly souring on Ball partially because of his father and doubts that the point guard will become a star. The Sixers hold the third overall pick.
 
"I think Ball is a terrific prospect and could have an outstanding NBA future," special advisor Jerry Colangelo said last weekend on 94 WIP. "I think it's going to be challenging with the people around him without being specific, and yet I don't think teams should bypass the player because they have those concerns. I think at the end of the day what wins in this league is talent and this is a very talented young man."
 
The Sixers also have inquired about meeting with Fultz, who seems like a lock to go No. 1 to the Celtics. It is not uncommon for expected top picks to meet with a minimal number of organizations. 
 
"There's maybe one or two players that have made it known that they'll probably not visit a lot of teams," Colangelo said. "Right now, you can talk about Markelle, I think … will work out for one team at this stage and that's Boston. But there's still ongoing discussions with his representatives as it relates to the possibility of stopping by here."
 
The Sixers have been meeting with plenty other prospects, though. The team traveled to agent-led workouts in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York City, Chicago and Washington, D.C. to watch and meet with players. They also attended private workouts and held interviews. Colangelo did not disclose the names of the participants. 
 
"We certainly have an interest in meeting and talking to all top-10 prospects," Colangelo said. "We've had a chance to meet with several of them already. No individual workouts here, but we've had some workouts out on the road. We're moving along, getting as much information as possible."
 
The Sixers began their first round of group workouts in Camden on Monday with Kentucky guard Isaiah Briscoe, George Washington forward Tyler Cavanaugh, Tennessee State guard Tahjere McCall, Maryland guard Melo Trimble, Middle Tennessee State forward Reggie Upshaw and Colorado guard Derrick White.

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