EL SEGUNDO – Their paths have been intertwined since before their first Pac-12 matchup, their abilities and value compared, contrasted and analyzed in wave after wave of NBA mock draft rankings.

So with Washington guard Markelle Fultz and UCLA guard Lonzo Ball garnering platitudes from NBA talent evaluators as the most talented point guards in this year’s draft class, Fultz acknowledged he and Ball have a friendly rivalry in their quest for hoops supremacy.

“Every way I’m a competitor. Anybody that is in front of me, I’m going to try to take him out,” Fultz said. “Lonzo is a great guard. We both compete for the same position. Stepping out on the court, I’m going to try to beat him in every single thing I do. Whether that’s tying my shoe faster, it really doesn’t matter.”

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NBA draft: Lonzo Ball downplays concerns about LaVar, highlights leadership qualities After working out for the Lakers at their practice facility on Thursday, Fultz initially downplayed whether it matters where he’s picked. Though the Boston Celtics are expected to draft Fultz at No. 1, the Lakers could choose Fultz under two scenarios – either the Celtics select Ball or trade their No. 1 pick to a team that chooses him.

“It doesn’t matter to me. I’m blessed to play the game wherever I go,” Fultz said. “I would like to go one, but wherever I land is where I go.”

The Lakers’ plans are also open-ended. They will visit Ball on Friday at an undisclosed location in Chino Hills, talking with Ball and evaluating him in a second workout after there were lukewarm reviews regarding his conditioning level after his initial workout.

The Lakers also hosted individual workouts for Kentucky guard De’Aaron Fox and Kansas guard/forward Josh Jackson this week, after previously watching Jackson in Sacramento and Fox in Thousand Oaks through his sports agency.

The Lakers have also fielded trade inquiries in recent weeks that include their No. 2 pick. The Lakers have listened to offers, but they maintain that second-year forward Brandon Ingram is not available. The Lakers like Ingram’s steady growth with his defense, shooting and aggressiveness as he strives to add more muscle to his wiry frame. Meanwhile, the Lakers have heard from prospects that they would like to play alongside Ingram.

As for Fultz, most mock drafts project him as the No. 1 pick for a few reasons.

He set Washington’s freshman single-season scoring record (579 points) after averaging 23.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists. Plenty of talent evaluators pin Fultz as a great fit for Boston because his high-scoring punch would complement a playoff-tested team that already features Isaiah Thomas at point guard.

Those evaluators also consider Ball a better fit for the Lakers because he is a superior passer who could benefit a team of young players accustomed to having the ball in their hands. Ball has, to this point, been adamant about working out only for the Lakers.

Still, Fultz considers himself superior to Ball and Fox, whose excellent defense is offset by his inferior shooting. While touting his shooting, playmaking and ability to play off the ball as his biggest strengths, Fultz said he wants to improve on fighting through fatigue and handling defensive rotations.

“I respect all of them and they have different types of games,” Fultz said. “I believe I fill in every box on both ends of the floor, so I think that’s what the difference is.”

Fultz said he showcased those qualities in his 75-minute individual workout with the Lakers. Fultz gave himself high marks on his 3-point range, finishing, execution on pick-and-roll drills and overall work ethic. Fultz said the Lakers’ brass gave him similar feedback.

The Lakers had already gotten to know what makes Fultz tick when they interviewed him at the NBA pre-draft combine last month in Chicago. He called Thursday’s session “more relaxed” since the attire was practice gear rather than dress suits.

Afterward, Fultz and his family had lunch with Lakers representatives and also visited the new practice facility that will be unveiled later this summer.

Fultz said playing for the Lakers would “pretty much feel like college again,” while it could take more time to carve out a leadership role with a more experienced Celtics roster. Either way, Fultz called both scenarios a “great fit.” He said he could coexist with the Celtics’ Thomas or Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell.

“I think I fit well. I can play off the 2. (Russell) can play off the 2,” Fultz said. “We’ll fit together. Basketball players are pretty good at what they do and learn how to play with each other.”

Either way, Fultz’s landing spots could vary wildly when it comes to finding immediate team success. The Celtics made the Eastern Conference finals last month, while the Lakers had a 26-56 record and missed the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.

“I can see myself playing here,” Fultz said. “It’s a great city and great team and a lot of history behind this team.”

Fultz sounded more consumed with the Lakers’ championship history and X’s and O’s than their proximity to Hollywood.

“It doesn’t matter. Wherever I go, I’ll be the same guy and be humble,” Fultz said. “Of course coming here with the Hollywood life, it would be great publicity and get my brand out there and building myself.”

That differs from the publicity Ball has generated with his outspoken father, LaVar, and his Big Baller Brand. But Fultz sounds more consumed with outperforming Ball on the court, instead.