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Lonzo Ball as popular a rookie as we’ve seen recently

By Kenneth Teape

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the 2017 Summer League Semifinals on July 16, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 16: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the 2017 Summer League Semifinals on July 16, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers point guard, Lonzo Ball, is the most popular rookie, by a wide margin, in recent history.

Lonzo Ball is one of the most recognizable rookies in recent history. He helped turn around a struggling UCLA program, which has a rich history in college basketball. After winning only 15 games during the 2015-16 season, Ball helped them to a Sweet 16 berth and 31 wins during the 2016-17 season.

Ball was in the news all season because of his dazzling play. He stayed in the news after UCLA’s season ended in large part because of his father, LaVar Ball. LaVar is as outspoken as they come. He has spewed some ridiculous things and set expectations high for his son. Those expectations skyrocketed once the Los Angeles Lakers officially made him a part of the team.

With the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Lakers selected Ball. He fits the mold of the type of player Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka were looking for to lead the team. His passing skills are unparalleled and he has the star potential the organization was craving.

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Ball showcased those skills during the Las Vegas Summer League. Ball took home MVP honors, as he was dominant after a lousy first game. Overall, Ball averaged 16.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. There was very little that opponents could do to slow him down.

Ball was a huge draw in Las Vegas. The Lakers had the most watched game in this year’s Summer League, which was also the most viewed game in the history of the Summer League. Not only did the Lakers break that record, they had six of the seven highest viewed games this summer.

A big reason for that was the presence of Ball. Ball was someone that both Lakers fans and fans of the NBA wanted to see. They came out in drove to watch him play, and it shouldn’t be too surprising.

According to FiveThirtyEight, Ball is the most talked about rookie in a long time in the NBA, and it isn’t even close. Over at FiveThirtyEight, they broke down how much he was mentioned by mainstream American media outlets from May 1st through July 30th. Ball was mentioned over 700 time; the next highest was Markelle Fultz, who was mentioned 436 times.

That is quite a remarkable number and shows just how popular Ball is. News outlets cover him from multiple angles. Some of it is because of his father, but once he stepped on the court he set social media ablaze with his play.

Next: 5 Takeaways From Las Vegas Summer League

Ball is a polarizing player despite only being only 19-years old. The Lakers, despite being at the bottom of the NBA standings the past few seasons, are once again a popular ticket and becoming the talk of the town. Ball is a big reason why and is bringing excitement to an organization that is looking to come out of the worst stretch of seasons in organization history.

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