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Lakers Rumors: Predicting each Rookies’ stat-line next season

By Jason Reed

June 23, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Newly drafted Los Angeles Lakers player Lonzo Ball (center) poses with basketball operations president Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka during his introductory press conference at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
June 23, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Newly drafted Los Angeles Lakers player Lonzo Ball (center) poses with basketball operations president Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka during his introductory press conference at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lakers Rumors – Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Lakers Rumors – Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Lonzo Ball

Predicted stat-line: 13.0 PPG, 8.5 APG, 4.5 RPG, 1.2 SPG

While Lonzo Ball’s output may take a slight decline from his rookie season at UCLA, it still stands as a great rookie season and a promising one for the Los Angeles Lakers. Ball is coming into this team to be a playmaker, with Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, and now Brook Lopez he does not need to be a scoring guard like D’Angelo Russell.

However, Ball will put up similar scoring numbers as Russell did in his rookie season. Russell averaged 13.2 points per game in his rookie campaign, and Ball will slide in just under that. The chances he creates for himself because of his dynamic playmaking ability will cause this, as we all saw at UCLA.

Despite everything else shrinking, Ball’s assists numbers will grow in the NBA. With better scorers around him and more minutes on the court, Ball will find more open guys per game. Sure, the defense is also getting better, but with 20 points per game scorer in Brook Lopez at center, it will be easier for Ball to find open guys. It may not be a big jump, but it will be a noticeable one.

As for the rest of his numbers, they will take a slight dip much like most rookie seasons. His rebounding will be less impactful as he is playing alongside Lopez and Randle. His steal numbers will take a slight dip because of the increase in opposing talent. However, we should expect a great rookie campaign from Ball.

We should not be surprised to see Lonzo Ball challenging Markelle Fultz for the Rookie of the Year award. While the Lakers may not make the playoffs like Lavar promised, I can promise that Ball will be an impact.

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