“With the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers select Lonzo Ball.”
A name that has been in the tabloids all summer and preseason due to his skilful play, his found fame, popularity, captivating shoes, and last but not least his enthusiastic and energetic father who’s confident Lonzo can be the greatest NBA player of all time. “Someone has to better than Jordan why not one of my boys”.
In Chino Hills high school, Lonzo averaged a triple-double with averages of 23.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 11.7 assists per game and led his high school to a state championship. In UCLA he averaged 14.6 points, 7.6 assists, and 6.0 rebounds and led his team to the NCAA March Madness tournament and eventually to the Top-16.During his captivating play, Lonzo showed that he can lead a team and make his teammates better.
As it has it Lonzo has been put into a steady situation with the newfound Los Angeles Lakers. “Addressed as the post-Bryant era” the Lakers have made big changes over the course of the off-season as they added Laker legend Magic Johnson president of basketball operations. The team added NBA champion Andrew Bogut (a good edition for the team), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (1-Year, 18 million dollars), re-signed Tyler Ennis (2-Year, 3.1 Million), traded for Brook Lopez and picked Kyle Kuzma with the 27th pick in the draft which could very well be the ‘biggest steal’ in the 2017 NBA draft.
With all this said, Lonzo is a big addition for the Los Angeles Lakers. Leading the new era of the Lakers he provides leadership on and off the court, he makes his teammates better and is a young star in the making.
Weakness and skills:
Billed as the “Future of the Lakers” by Magic Johnson Lonzo has already possessed NBA ready talent and has skills which can make him improve the Lakers
Tools: Ball is 6’6 which helps him easily make plays, as well get rebounds (averaged 7.7 rebounds in summer league), and help him finish strong around the rim with either hand and through contact.
Passing: His 7.6 assists per game led the nation in college and he also averaged 9.1 assists in summer league. He sees and finds teammates with amazing vision, and on spot, timed passes (from oops, bounces and the pick and roll). His basketball IQ and quick decision-making shows why his passing skills are highly skillful.
Shooting: His shooting needs work, especially with the three-point line being 2ft behind the college line. Lonzo’s unique shot sometimes doesn’t always fall, and the main issue will be if he can get that funky shot off in the NBA.
Defense: Lonzo struggles in this department. He seems to show stiffness in the perimeter and struggles to fight through set screens which can cause scoring opportunities for the enemy team. However, he has shown flashes jumping in lanes and blocking shots, which get him a couple of steals per game.
How can he improve: Lonzo possesses a desire to work which has been seen as he is working out with his father and brothers. Starting to play basketball at the age of 2, Lonzo played in many leagues showing off his skills. If he continues with the drive and effort he portrays, then on defense he can become better in that field. If Lonzo makes his shot selections smarter and become more efficient he will be a dangerous scorer sitting at his guard spot.
Predicting his Rookie year
- 13-15 Points per Game
- 4-6 Rebounds per Game
- 7-8 Assists per game
- 0.5-1.5 Steals per game
- 0-0.5 Blocks per game
- 39-43 FG%
- 28-32 3P%
- 75-80 Ft%
