Lonzo Ball and Magic Johnson will determine the Lakers' future

LOS ANGELES -- For months before the draft, Magic Johnson had been 80 percent sure the Los Angeles Lakers were going to select Lonzo Ball. In his gut, Johnson felt like Ball was special -- that he had the "it" factor needed to revitalize his hometown team, which was in the lottery for a fourth consecutive year. A big point guard himself, Johnson saw similarities in the 6-foot-6 Ball and his stylish, unselfish approach to the game.

But Johnson also knew that his own reputation -- and the Lakers' hopes of a rebuild that would put them back in the conversation as a destination for elite free agents the following summer -- were riding on making the correct call with Lonzo. He knew he had to meet…