Let’s discuss: Which young Lakers player is the most important?

The case for Lonzo Ball:

Isaac Gutierrez:

In my eyes, the most important player on the Lakers roster going forward has to be Lonzo Ball.
There are many reasons as to why Lonzo Ball is immensely valuable, but it starts with the fact that he makes everyone around him better. Ball has the potential to be an elite distributor and is already well above average at this early stage in his career.

Playing with a player such as Ball makes life much easier for whoever is sharing the court with him, and promotes an unselfish style of play that can go a long way in improving team success.

Ball will be especially valuable if the team is able to lure in two superstars in free agency this summer, as the team has made it clear they intend to attempt. A player as unselfish as Ball fits perfectly with superstar players as he doesn’t need to score to provide value to his team, making him a perfect complimentary piece on a team where there may not be enough points to go around otherwise (I.e. 2008 Rajon Rondo.)

Even if they do not bring in two max free agents, Ball still has potential to be the team’s future superstar. As of now, Lonzo is not a great scorer, like many rookie point guards, but he still manages to affect the game in many positive ways.

He has proven to be a good defender at the position, he is a great distributor and a great rebounder. These traits alone make for a solid player. Now when Ball develops a more multi-tooled offensive game, he will be a force to be reckoned with.

Even if he is not currently the best of the three players, Lonzo Ball has far and away the most upside.