Los Angeles Lakers: Three goals for Lonzo Ball in his rookie season

By Matt Leaman | Jun 27, 2017

June 23, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Newly drafted Los Angeles Lakers player Lonzo Ball (center) poses with basketball operations president Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka during his introductory press conference at Toyota Sports Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 30, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) shoots a free throw against the Oregon State Beavers in the second half at Gill Coliseum. The Bruins won 76-63. Mandatory Credit: Scobel Wiggins-USA TODAY Sports /

Improve Free Throw Shooting:

Getting to the free throw line was never really part of Ball’s game during his only season at UCLA. In fact, he only attempted 98 free throws in 36 games total. Ball made just 67.3 percent of those free throws, shooting 66 of 98. He will pass the ball most of the time while driving to the basket.

Breaking it down, he only averaged 2.7 free throws a game. Translating to the NBA, per 40 minutes, Ball will be on pace to average just 3.0 free throw shots a game based on performance from last year.

While his success in the NBA won’t be determined on his free throw shooting, it will only help him become a better player. With Ball’s size and physical frame, he should set out and focus on getting to the line more often and converting those chances. If he can set a goal of 5-7 free throw shots a game, he will become even more dangerous. Combining this with his already impressive offensive skill set that includes shooting and passing it will propel him to a rookie of the year campaign.

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