NBA: Wagner and Bonga both drafted by the Lakers

Moritz Wagner was drawn by the Los Angeles Lakers at the NBA Draft 2018. The native Berliner was drafted to position 25. Isaac Bonga was also penalised by the traditional franchise in round two.

Wagner’s big dream came true earlier than was expected by many experts who would have seen him in the second round. As a first-round pick he is now guaranteed a contract and joins what is probably still the best-known NBA team in the world.

Wagner, who had had an impressive college career with the Michigan Wolverines, was accompanied by his college coach John Beilein in Brooklyn and, when he was pulled, presented the inside of his jacket: on one side was the logo of Michigan, on the other the logo of his home club Alba Berlin.

At the Lakers Wagner meets a young team, which could change significantly in the next weeks and in the course of the Free Agency. The Lakers are said to be very interested in the superstars LeBron James and Paul George.

“I am speechless,” Wagner said to ESPN after he was pulled and struggled with tears. “I’ll just do my best, every day, 100 percent.”

At position 39 the name of Isaac Bonga was called. The 18-year-old from the Frankfurt Skyliners was drawn by the Philadelphia 76ers, who had already traded the pick – so the Lakers now also have the NBA rights to Bonga. However, it is likely that he will stay in Europe for at least another season.