Los Angeles Lakers: Why it is not time to panic just yet
By Jason Reed
1. Lonzo Ball will return and make an impact
Well, this one might not seem as promising with the latest news but Lonzo Ball should be returning down the stretch for the Los Angeles Lakers and will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the team when he does.
It was recently reported that Ball is dealing with a bone bruise that could keep him out longer than the Lakers had hoped or expected (h/t ESPN). That obviously complicates things but he should still return with enough time for the Lakers to capitalize and go on a run.
Ball gets his fair share of haters as well but the impact that he has on this team has been apparent since his time out. Yes, he does struggle to shoot at times and it pretty bad at the free throw line, we get that.
However, he is already a borderline elite defensive point guard that will one day be on an All-Defensive team. That backcourt defense has been sorely lacking in Los Angeles having him back in the lineup will slow the scoring of other teams.
With LeBron going into playoff mode, Ball will handle less of the offense should give the Lakers a huge boost once he returns.