Los Angeles Lakers: Main Summer League focus points

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 25: Khyri Thomas #2 of the Creighton Bluejays drives to the basket against Josh Hart #3 of the Villanova Wildcats in the first half at the Pavilion on February 25, 2017 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 25: Khyri Thomas #2 of the Creighton Bluejays drives to the basket against Josh Hart #3 of the Villanova Wildcats in the first half at the Pavilion on February 25, 2017 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 17: Lonzo Ball /

Ball Movement

Additionally, another area to watch for during summer league will be how well the team does when it comes to moving the ball around and making sure that the ball does not stick to one player for too long.

This is paramount because, during the regular season, the Los Angeles Lakers ranked 26th in the league in team assists per game with just under 21.

As such, it is clear that the Lakers are in need of improvement when it comes to passing the ball around and getting teammates better looks on offense.

This is especially crucial because the squad under Coach Walton has often been instructed to move with and without the ball on offense regularly. This is somewhat similar to what the Warriors, where he was previously an assistant, do.

Thus, when watching these young prospects play, it will be useful to see how willing each individual is to find an open teammate. Watching their movement when off the ball is also important in order to create a better flowing offense.

Specifically, viewers should keep a close eye on new point-guard acquisition Lonzo Ball. He should be a huge part of the Lakers ability to pass effectively, as he led the nation in assists with 7.6 per game in college and made UCLA into a potent offense.

Moreover, another player to watch will be Brandon Ingram. He occasionally assumed the point guard role for Los Angeles during his rookie season, and will likely be a secondary facilitator for the team behind Ball.