Los Angeles Lakers: Winners and losers in loss to Spurs

Winner: Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball did not get the same minutes luxury that he did in the first two games of the season as he split time with Rajon Rondo. With Rondo serving a three-game suspension, Ball was thrust into the starting five and predictably played 33 minutes.

This was a test for Ball, who has had the training wheels on as he recovers from a knee injury and is known for burning out late in games. How would his new body and physique react to a 30+ minute workload?

That was a question that could only be answered on Monday and for the most part, Ball delivered on all accounts.

Most importantly, the second-year point guard actually shot the ball fairly well. That has been Ball’s Achilles’ heel and has hurt his stock despite the rest of his game being great.

Tonight was different and it was the first night we got an extended look at his newly-formed jump shot. Ball scored 14 points on five of nine shooting, making one of the two three-point shots he attempted. With six rebounds and assists, it was a good night for Ball.