Lonzo Ball is the Lakers point guard of the new regime
The Los Angeles Lakers selected point guard Lonzo Ball from UCLA with the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
It seems like destiny… Lonzo is finally a Los Angeles Laker.
The new regime is finally here. Chino Hills High School’s former All-American will presumably be the starting point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lonzo Ball’s statistics and abilities have also been compared to Ricky Rubio and future Hall of Fame inductee Jason Kidd.
According to Sports Reference CBB, Ball averaged 14.6 ppg, 7.6 apg and 6.0 rpg on a team that made it to the Sweet 16.
What’s important is that his presence elevated UCLA in the 2016-17 season. The Bruins were first in assists, second in ppg and went from 15 to 31 wins.
Questions arose about his unique shooting motion, but he’s able to create separation due to the 6’6 frame.
He ranked first in minutes played in the PAC-12, so rumors regarding his conditioning weren’t taken into consideration.
Ball asserted himself as the top floor general in the NCAA early on, and led the nation in assists. He also possesses one of the highest PER’s (Player Efficiency Rating) in the 2017 draft class, according to DraftExpress.
New Regime
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Jay Williams endorsed the probable selection. Williams stated that he and Jordan Clarkson are the “backcourt of the future for the Lakers”
Former number two pick D’Angelo Russell is on his way to Brooklyn, and this makes that notion a current possibility.
Lakers management believes that Ball possesses God given abilities due to his basketball IQ, incredible vision and playmaking decisions.
Russell’s very unique, but he never fit the mold as a true point guard and that ultimately played a part in his early dismissal.
Executives in El Segundo also realized that he brings more to the table with regards to commanding leadership capabilities.
Fans, and teammates alike, will appreciate the style he brings to the hardwood. Many will reminisce about the old “Showtime Lakers,” now.
It’s a start because of his knack to push the break, find open teammates and excellent range from deep.
Next: 3 Reasons To Be Wary Of Paul George Trade
The Lakers needed to drastically improve, but the organization has clearly taken a step forward with this critical decision.