Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball shines as Lakers Advance in NBA Summer League Tourney

Following Lonzo Ball’s outstanding Summer League performance Wednesday night, Ball tallied yet another impressive stat-line for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Los Angeles Lakers walked out victorious for the second night in a row, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers 94 to 83.

In each of the last five Lakers Summer League contests, four of which Lonzo Ball has suited up, the offense has undeniably been fast-paced along with excellent ball movement nearly every possession. Thursday night’s exhibition proved to be no different.

Although Lonzo’s first half was not quite as impactful offensively, his playmaking was on full display yet again. He dished out 12 dimes through four quarters of play, as well as picking up his game in the second half. Ball totaled 12 assists, 10 rebounds and 16 points to result in his second triple-double of his young professional career, in spite of his inefficient shooting from the field.

However, in the midst of those glued to Lonzo Ball’s game, forward Kyle Kuzma has been quietly exceptional, taking on a majority of the scoring load and being an absolute leader on the floor.

Being the 27th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, expectations weren’t quite that high on the 6’9″ Utah product. Nonetheless, Kuzma did, in fact, impress his way from a late second-round pick or a possibly be undrafted to a bonafide first-round selection. That, in itself, speaks volumes in regards to his work ethic and understanding of progression.

Unfortunately, not every player within this year’s Lakers Summer League roster has thrived, and I’m specifically speaking of big man, Ivica Zubac.

I am big fan of Zubac’s game and high-potential. However, his in-game improvement has been drastically slower than last year which isn’t too concerning but it definitely is a concern nevertheless. Though, he did have a 21 point showing against the Philadelphia 76ers.

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I expected much more production from Zubac throughout Summer League as a whole, and I still do. His defensive footwork is still a work in progress as well as his post-moves. I expect Zubac to be much more poised following the end of the Las Vegas NBA Summer League, heading into the 2017-2018 NBA campaign.

Next up for the Lakers will be a game against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night.