Before finding himself sidelined for the remainder of the season, Lonzo Ball showcased his ability on defense, something that’s winning over some of his doubters.
“He’s an impact player on that side of the ball,” a Western Conference executive tells Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report. “I’m surprised he’s that good defensively. Coming out of UCLA, that was a question.”
Pincus notes that Ball and LeBron James shared the floor in 34 games this season, winning 20 of those contests. Over a full season, that pace would put the Lakers in the middle of the playoff picture instead of the gutter where Los Angeles currently resides.
The defense is there but the offense is still a work in progress for Ball. Pincus argues the point guard must add a reliable three-pointer to his arsenal in order to take the next step in the evolution in his game.
Here’s more from Los Angeles:
- Ball seems destined to be included in an Anthony Davis-to the-Lakers trade, but if that deal never occurs, the point guard would fit well alongside a potential free agent signing such as Kyrie Irving, Pincus argues (in the same piece). Ball has the size to guard opposing shooting guards, which would take a burden off of someone like Irving.
- Poor shooting is the Lakers‘ biggest issue, Bill Oram of The Athletic contends. The front office attempted to correct this deficiency at the trade deadline by acquiring Reggie Bullock and Mike Muscala in a pair of deals. Bullock has made just 39.2% of his shots from behind the arc since coming to the Lakers. Muscala has made just 26.3% while barely seeing the floor.
- Luke Walton will likely take the fall for the Lakers‘ struggles this season but Oram (in the same piece) argues that the coach is putting players in position to be successful. The team is making just 35.5% of “wide open” three-pointers, which ranks last in the league.“ We’ve had so many 3s where it could be dagger [and force] timeouts,” Rondo said. “We haven’t capitalized on those yet.”
is this a joke…walton will be blamed and fired because lebron wants him out to hire his own pick to Tyrone lue!
Magic Johnson is the only one who should be fired.
I couldn’t agree more
Agreed, magic is clueless
Ty Lue to the rescue! Lmao
As of now, I think there’s a good chance Ball remains in LA. The Lakers aren’t getting Anthony Davis unless they get a 3rd team involved. The Pelicans have made it abundantly clear that they don’t value the Lakers young players has highly as the Lakers do. Without a 3rd team, another team will offer a package that the Pelicans like more than what the Lakers offer.
All well said.
Actually Demps was fired, I can see AD going to the Lakers this summer, UNLESS he changes his mind and agrees to an extension w/ Boston. In that case, Ainge can certainly top the Lakers offer. The Lakers will now have a lottery pick to sweeten the deal.
do you think the lakers tanked to get the lottery pick to sweeten the davis pot ?seems to me demps got fired because he did not trade davis.
If ball can stay healthy he is an attractive piece for another star. He plays defense and creates plays. He can’t shoot. He’s going to get guys shots. With LeBron that just leaves the need for shooters and defense. They need to develop repoire and 90% turnover every season isn’t going to beat the warriors. Even an older warriors.
The Lakers haven’t made 3s because they don’t have 3-point shooting abilities.