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Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers: 5 players to watch

By Kenneth Teape

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Brandon Ingram (L) #14 and Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers react on the bench as the final seconds tick off the clock in their 108-98 win over the Dallas Mavericks in a semifinal game of the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Brandon Ingram (L) #14 and Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers react on the bench as the final seconds tick off the clock in their 108-98 win over the Dallas Mavericks in a semifinal game of the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers vs Portland Trail Blazers: 5 players to watch
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 16: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers throws a no-look pass against the Dallas Mavericks during a semifinal game of the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 108-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Lonzo Ball

The last player to watch for in the championship game is none other than Lonzo Ball. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft has come into his own as the Las Vegas Summer League has worn on.

In his first game, Ball was not good at all. He didn’t make many shots and looked nervous. Those nerves have dissipated and Ball has dominated since. In six games, Ball has averaged 16.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 2.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Ball has set some Summer League records in the process, recording two triple-doubles and four games with double-digit assists; the most ever.

Ball has been outstanding in a number of different facets of the game for the Lakers. His passing skills are extraordinary, which has more than made up for his jump shot not falling more often than not. The rebounding and defense have been nice to see as well.

Against the Blazers, Ball will be going up against an NBA veteran in Jorge Gutierrez. Ball played well against an NBA laden squad that the Nets used. The experience gained in that game will help tonight against Gutierrez.

Next: Full 2017 NBA Draft First Round Grades

Ball has quickly become the star of the Las Vegas Summer League. He has an excellent chance of bringing home MVP honors. Leading the Lakers to another victory and finishing on a six-game winning streak would really help that.

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