Lakers rumors: 3 things Lonzo Ball needs to do in order to be rookie of the year
By Keith Rivas
He’ll have to lead how D’Angelo Russell couldn’t
Okay, so the maturity level of D’Angelo Russell when he first came into the league might not have been great. Los Angeles picked him out of Ohio State in 2015, with chemistry issues arising not long thereafter.
Ball is in a position where he’s not just replacing Russell, but becoming the very face of the franchise. Ahead of the draft, Ball commented on the need for leadership within the Lakers. He added that he feels that his leadership skills are what could turn things around, and now he’ll have to show what he meant by that.
Los Angeles isn’t a team or city accustomed to losing. Picking second overall for three straight seasons has one of the best franchises in all of sports wondering what lies ahead.
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Assuming guys like Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson stick around and aren’t traded, they’ll need more leadership than anyone else on the team.
Not being reckless on offense, while still being a presence on defense is key for the team to compete in any fashion. Ball has to show not only his teammates, but the front office that he’s their guy for the long term.
If he can mesh well with everyone, whether old or young, that’ll speak volumes to the team’s mentality moving forward.