Los Angeles Lakers: Three positive takeaways from this season

3. Lonzo Ball does make a noticeable difference

Right now, Lonzo Ball is in the middle of a dispute with Big Baller Brand that is seeing the star remove any mention from BBB from his social media (and even his tattoo), which even included a tease towards Nike.

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This is all coming after Ball severed ties with Alan Foster, a business partner and friend to the Ball family, who reportedly took over a million dollars from the company. Ball himself is acknowledging it is time for him to take charge of his own career.

This is kind of overshadowing what the narrative around Ball has become and quite frankly this is perfect timing for Ball and the Lakers fanbase as it can start a new chapter not only for Ball but for the fans that were skeptical of him.

Since Ball has been out the Lakers defense has been borderline horrific and it has become apparent that, at the very least, Ball’s elite defense has a massive impact on the team. His ability to run an offense with his court-vision and elite rebounding ability, for a guard, is certainly a help as well.

The narrative has spun from Ball being a bust because of his broken jump shot to the Lakers cannot win without him. That is huge for someone that has not gotten the respect he deserves in the league.

Part of his criticism was also his father, who hyped Ball up so high that anything was naturally going to be a disappointment.

With Laker fans realizing that Ball is essential to this team and LaVar Ball taking a back seat, this could be the start of something great for Lonzo Ball’s career. Now that is positive.