Lakers: Lonzo Ball’s maturity will lead to many wins down the line this season

Although a 2-4 start it not what the Los Angeles Lakers envisioned, it is now the reality. However, the maturity of rookie point guard Lonzo Ball is shining a beacon of light on an otherwise bad start.

Through six games this season the Lakers find themselves in a familiar losing territory at 2-4. Los Angeles is off to a worse start than the 4-3 start last season, leaving many fans to doubt and remain skeptical. Although a 2-4 start may not be what the fans had wanted, there still is some light in an otherwise dark tunnel.

Los Angeles has shown flashes of brilliance offensively at times. Although the team ranks 29th in offensive efficiency, there are some positives. The Lakers put together a great game against the Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns. If it weren’t for bad defense and bad time management, the Lakers easily could have a winning record.

However, during the Lakers slow start, the rookie point guard is rising as the most mature. Lonzo Ball, who has unfairly been deemed a bust by doubters, is showcasing the maturity that sometimes is not present in his father, LaVar.

Ball took full responsibility for his team’s slow start. Calling upon his father and favorite player LeBron James as inspiration, Ball made it clear he blames the losses on himself.

“It is a team game; we all play for each other—obviously we win and lose as a team. But I like to take the blame when we lose,” Ball said, per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.

This is following the Lakers’ loss to the Utah Jazz, in which Ball also blamed on himself. Although the Jazz defeated the Lakers by 15 (with the Lakers never owning a lead) Ball blamed two bad plays on his end for the loss.

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If anything, this is exactly what Laker fans should want to see. Although a winning record is definitely preferable, Ball’s maturity and ability to take responsibility for his team is huge for a young player. Ball recognizes that the offense runs through him, and if it is struggling, then he is not doing his job.

The rookie’s play definitely has left fans wanting more. Through six games, Ball is averaging 10.0 points, 7.7 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game. Admittedly, that stat line for a rookie point guard is nothing short of incredible. However, the unmatched hype around Ball has only caused more disappointment — especially with a 31.1 field goal percentage.

However, Ball’s maturity is an intangible that you cannot teach. As the season goes on and Ball becomes more comfortable in the NBA, he will get perform better. He has already shown that he has what it takes to lead an offense, now, Ball just needs to get in his groove.

This is a process in LA, nobody is expecting the team to turn into contenders overnight. However, Ball’s maturity will be a catalyst in this process for the Lakers.

Next: Bad defense is leading to losses

Do not be surprised if the Lakers shock some of the best team’s in the NBA later this year; led by Lonzo Ball. While Los Angeles is not yet a playoff caliber team, they can be in the very near future with Lonzo Ball leading the way.