Los Angeles Lakers fans have witnessed D’Angelo Russell fail to live up to expectations, but be slow to assume the same with Lonzo Ball.
It’s rare to see analyst discuss a player and list his basketball IQ as his intangible. On top of that, to say leadership is a core piece of his character. But, then you watch the way Los Angeles Lakers point guard, Lonzo Ball, simply focuses on the game. The only way to explain it is:
Lonzo Ball is all about the game, and Magic knows it.
He doesn’t care about the media, broadcasting or throwing out the first pitch for the Dodgers. He cares about the game. Lonzo gets average teammates open looks, making them above average.
Luke Walton’s system, along with some pointers from Magic, of course, will excel Lonzo’s passing ability. For instance, watch this play at 4:50. Lonzo quickly advances it up-court during transition plays either not dribbling or only dribbling only once.
At UCLA, a benefactor to Lonzo’s passing was fellow first round teammate TJ Leaf. Now, substitute that same plays with Brook Lopez instead of Leaf. That’s what Lonzo brings to the Lakers. The two players that should be most excited about Ball’s arrival are the aforementioned Lopez and Brandon Ingram.