The Los Angeles Lakers have a four game sample size of their rookie point guard Lonzo Ball. It is evident that in the last four games, Ball can be the perfect player to guide the Lakers franchise back to prosperity.
The Lakers 2-2 start is hardly a clear indicator of the type of impact that Ball has had on this team. In a 82 game season, four games is hardly a sample size of what is to come.
However, Ball has shown in his first few games that he can fit whatever mold the Lakers are shaping themselves into. Ball’s all-around game is complimentary to any one of his teammates.
He is currently averaging 11.5 points per game on 31.6 percent shooting from the field, along with nine assists and nine rebounds per basketball-reference.com. While Ball may be scoring on inefficient shooting, he has made it up in other ways.
Ball currently leads the Lakers in both rebounding (9) and assists (9). His rebounding numbers are third in the league among point guards trailing only Russell Westbrook and Ben Simmons. He is also fourth in assists per game behind only Westbrook, John Wall and James Harden.
Ball is slowly but surely making his mark on this youthful Lakers roster. He has not only become a source of statistical production for them, but also an emotional rallying point.
As a result of Lavar Ball’s (his father) boisterous tendencies, many players have the rookie in their cross-hairs. His most recent challenge came in the form of Wall who was cited saying he would show Ball “no mercy” per The Washington Post.
The Lakers used the emotional edge to help them beat out the Washington Wizards in a 102-99 overtime victory. Lakers head coach Luke Walton admitted to using the Lonzo hate as a source of motivation per the Los Angeles Times:
“I did bring it up in shoot-around today,” said Walton. “It’s nothing personal but we defend each other. If people want to talk about our players, we should be offended. … We’re not just going to [take it].”
Whether it is in production or just overall motivation, Ball is filling in for the Lakers wherever he can. Something very few players can do.
Hopefully Lonzo’s impact on this young team continues to grow and turns into wins because according to the young point guard. Wins are all that matter.
Brendan Abban is the host of the KBR Sports podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BAbban24 or email him via [email protected]. This article was originally written and posted on SB Nation.
