After a less than stellar opening game, Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball was dominant at the Las Vegas Summer League. With averages of 16.3 points, 9.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds Ball took home the Summer League MVP trophy and got Lakers fans excited about what he will bring once the regular season rolls around.
Lonzo’s outstanding passing and court vision was on full display in Las Vegas as he hit a number of amazing passes throughout the week that put fans on their feet. There was far more to be excited about with Lonzo other than his passing however.
Sean Deveney of The Sporting News spoke to one NBA scout who said that while the passing was to be expected, the rest of Ball’s game was just as impressive:
“Look, the passing we knew about. His ability to see the floor and create easy baskets, we knew about that. I was impressed with the other things. He is an excellent rebounder. He’s worked on a post game, too. He can post up smaller guards. We did not see that much. He has tremendous body control when he drives, he can finish off-balance. Love the passing ability, but I loved the other parts of his game.”
Ball certainly showed he can make an impact on the game in multiple different ways. Regardless, his passing remains his biggest strength, but the scout does warn that NBA defenses will be more aware of his deep passes:
“NBA defenses are going to be a lot more aware of his deep passes, too. I don’t know how often he will be able to throw those 50-footers. So he will have a lot to learn against better defenders, but so far so good with him.”
There will obviously be a big difference in going up against regular season NBA teams as opposed to Summer LEague squads, but Lonzo has shown that he will be ready for anything.
The Lakers have certainly put the pieces around Ball to help him succeed as Brandon Ingram, Brook Lopez, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Julius Randle and the rest of the team will all be ready to benefit from what Lonzo brings.