Lakers: Imagining a Lonzo Ball/D’Angelo Russell Backcourt
With the second-worst record in the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers have a good chance of keeping their top-three pick and joining the Lonzo Ball sweepstakes. How would he fit in the backcourt with D’Angelo Russell?
UCLA’s Lonzo ball is legit. There are few questions about that. In his one season at UCLA, he’s single-handedly revived the historic basketball program with his on-court dominance. His latest display of brilliance came against the Washington State University where he finished with 19 points, eight assists, seven steals and four assists.
After Lonzo’s father, Lavar, made it public that he’d like to see his son wearing the Purple and Gold many Laker fans have been wishing for the same thing. Ball has revitalized Los Angeles college basketball and he could do the same for the Lakers.
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The only problem is that the Lakers already have a point guard with a similar skillset in D’Angelo Russell. Drafting Ball would put Russell’s future with the team in question unless they moved one of them to the two, which is very possible. Both Russell and Ball stand at around 6’6, putting them together in the backcourt would give them a length advantage. The skillset problem seems to be the only issue as both need the ball in their hands to be effective.
Only having one ball on the floor might not even be an issue for these guys. Both of these players are known for their passing skills so if they adopt a pass-first mentality it could work.
Their size could also pose problems for other teams on both defense and offense. On the defensive end, their size and length can affect players shots. Ball specifically has all the tools to be an elite defender. He has created turnovers and blocked shots with ease at the collegiate level.
On offense, Russell and Ball would also have their advantages. We’ve already seen Russell implement his size into his game by establishing a post game. Lonzo could do the same, or just shoot over defenders with his unorthodox shot.
Both Ball and Russell have shown the ability to knock down the three so they could become a successful duo. Since the Baby Lakers are often compared to the Golden State Warriors I will go that route as well. I can see the backcourt duo of Russell and Ball being just as effective as a Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.
Next: Highs and Lows vs Boston
Do you think the Russell Ball pairing would work for the Lakers? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to follow us on twitter @TheLakeShowLife.