Lakers: Comparing each young star to recent NBA All-Stars
By Jason Reed
Lonzo Ball — Jason Kidd (10x all-star)
The most notable comparison of the four, the Jason Kidd comparison has been run to the ground. Even before Lonzo Ball was drafted second overall — the exact spot that Kidd was drafted at — NBA analysts were drawing comparisons between the UCLA freshman and the 10-time all-star.
Ball exhibits a near identical skill set to Kidd with better rebounding and two inches of height. Kidd was a good, not great, scorer in his prime. However, double-digit assists and great rebounding numbers from the point guard position was a mainstay of Kidd’s career.
Overall, Kidd averaged 12.6 points, 8.7 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game in his career. In his prime, Kidd was scoring around 15 points a night with 10 rebounds, 6-7 assists and two or so steals.
Ball’s slow start in his rookie year mixed with funky shot mechanics that has led to shaky shooting has created cracks in these comparisons. However, those questioning this comparison are comparing rookie Lonzo Ball to prime Jason Kidd. In reality, Kidd had a very similar rookie year to Lonzo.
In his rookie year, Kidd averaged 11.7 points, 7.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds and 1.9 steals. Kidd shot 38.5 percent from the floor and 27.2 percent from behind the arc. Ball, on the other hand, is averaging 10.1 points, 7.1 assists, 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals. He is shooting 35.7 percent from the floor and 31.7 percent from beyond the arc.
Yeah, the comparison still holds validity.