Lakers rumors: Predicting the first four years under Lonzo Ball
By Keith Rivas
Rookie Season
Stat Line Average: 15 points, two rebounds, seven assists
Both Los Angeles an Lonzo Ball got what they want, and now it’ll be up to the Southern California kid to restore the glory days of the purple and gold. Taken second in a stacked draft class, there’s no question that expectations will be high.
With all eyes on him, Ball will likely excel. For starters, he won’t have to compete with D’Angelo Russell for a leadership role. After Magic Johnson’s comments on Russell’s lack thereof, it became clear that how Russell played was the least of their worries.
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The Lakers take this next step knowing that if they fail, they’ll fail big. Surprisingly enough, this second pick will pan out better than expected.
Markelle Fultz, who was the only player taken before Lonzo, has a much harder path in Philadelphia. While it’s not that the 76ers are bad, it’s that he’s set standards so high for himself in a place that’s unfamiliar to him.
On the other hand with the Lakers, Lonzo Ball is at home right where he’s wanted to be all along. As much as it’d be fun to disagree with LaVar Ball, Lonzo has all of the potential to come through on his dad’s promise.
That being said, the Lakers will make the playoffs as the seventh overall seed with him at the helm in his first year. Also, it will happen thanks to a 45-37 record.
This will lead to a first round exit, but that’s plenty of progress. Their first round series will go just five games.
Lastly, Lonzo will finish second in the rookie of the year race to Boston’s Jayson Tatum.