2018-19 Lakers Season Preview: Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball, Lakers
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers used the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft to select Lonzo Ball out of UCLA, believing that he would be the team’s point guard of the future and the man to jump-start their struggling offense.

SHOP NOW: CHECK OUT THE LATEST MERCH ????????????

Ball had been known for his court vision and passing as well as his ability to hit threes from all over the court. Ball had a successful rookie year but not in the way that most expected.

His offense was dragged down by horrendous shooting, including a concerning 45 percent from the free throw line and 31 percent from three. The player that was expected to come in and be an offensive savant couldn’t figure out a way to manufacture points, which drove a narrative suggesting that his rookie season was a failure.

However, despite his shooting struggles, Ball greatly impressed with his defense. He was among the top point guards in the league in points allowed per possession and finished second in blocks among point guards.

Ball found ways to jump into passing lanes and create turnovers while also showcasing an impressive ability to rebound the basketball. Now, with LeBron James in town, Ball will have to find a way to be productive without the ball in his hands.

Given his sometimes too unselfish game, one would imagine that Ball will have no problem sharing, but he’s still going to need to adjust to playing alongside the greatest player on the planet.

Are you following us on Instagram? We’ve changed our handle to @LakersNationOfficial! Find us on Facebook at @LakersNation, and on Twitter @LakersNation.

You May Also Like

Lakers Podcast: Breaking Down Both Sides Of The Lakers v. Suns Tank Race

On today’s episode of CourtCast by Lakers Nation, host Trevor Lane and guest Gerald Borguet, Phoenix Suns reporter for Hoops Habit, break down the epic tank race currently occurring between the Lakers and the Suns…

Lakers News Feed: How Blake Griffin Trade Changes Things

The trade sending Blake Griffin from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Detroit Pistons rocked the NBA world on Monday…

Lakers Podcast: Win Over Hawks, Paul George & LeBron James Thought Process, And Should What LaVar Ball Says Matter?

The Los Angeles Lakers finally got the big win that they had been after with a 132-113 victory over the Atlanta Hawks…

Lakers News Feed: Magic Johnson Gives Himself A Deadline, Takeaways From Paul George’s ESPN Documentary

The Los Angeles Lakers have attracted a who’s who of NBA superstars over the years, using the glitz and glamor…