Lake Show Life
Fansided

3 reasons why Lonzo Ball, D’Angelo Russell are a good fit

By Asha Doucet

Feb 23, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) celebrates with UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) during the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) celebrates with UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) during the first half against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Nov 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guards Jordan Clarkson (right) and D’Angelo Russell (1) celebrate in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guards Jordan Clarkson (right) and D’Angelo Russell (1) celebrate in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

3. D’Angelo Russell would not have to facilitate the offense

As previously mentioned, in a short sample size D’Angelo Russell has proved not only to be efficient at the 2, but aggressive. Even though Russell was only in his second year in the NBA, at times he made foolish mistakes that gave his haters ammo to call him a bust.

If Lonzo Ball joins the Lakers and plays the point, Russell won’t have to worry about facilitating the offense and can just think, or not think, about scoring.

Facilitating seems to come so naturally to Ball that he doesn’t have to overthink anything, meaning his learning curve in the NBA might be smoother than Russell’s, making him the better option at point. In turn, that will unleash an entirely new offensive-minded Russell next season.

Mar 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton on the sidelines against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton on the sidelines against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Magic Johnson recently told ESPNLA radio that Lonzo Ball reminded him of himself. That certainly is high praise coming from one of the best point guards in the history of the game, and arguably the best ever.

Not to mention the fact that Lakers head coach Luke Walton also gave Ball high praise in an interview with TMZ Sports.

"“I’m a big fan of [Lonzo’s] game,” he added. “I went and watched him play at Pauley [Pavilion]. He plays the right way, he’s unselfish and whatever team he ends up on, he’s gonna make that team a lot better.”"

With Ball receiving that kind of acknowledgment and regard from L.A.’s leaders, it seems Lonzo to the Lakers is as inevitable as the third-straight Finals matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers was.

With that being said, it may be time for Russell to permanently switch his position on Ball when the Lakers draft Lonzo. There are more than enough reasons for Russell to work with Ball than to see him as an adversary.

Next: Too Soon To Trade D'Angelo Russell

Do you think L.A. will be better keeping D’Angelo Russell at point guard, or do you think the combination of Lonzo Ball and Russell is better for the franchise long term? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Home/Lakers News