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Los Angeles Lakers: Luol Deng excited to play with Lonzo Ball

By Kenneth Teape

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 20: Luol Deng #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the game on December 20, 2016 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 20: Luol Deng #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during the game on December 20, 2016 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers veteran Luol Deng is looking forward to playing with rookie point guard Lonzo Ball.

Los Angeles Lakers rookie point guard Lonzo Ball has garnered a lot of attention. Even before the Lakers selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, he was someone that plenty of people talked about.

Ball was a big reason for the UCLA Bruins turnaround during the 2016-17 season. Ball helped lead them to an appearance in the Sweet 16 and a 30 win season after going 15-17 the previous season. His playmaking skills were on full display, as he led college basketball with 7.6 assists per game despite being a freshman.

His father, LaVar Ball, has placed some pretty ridiculous expectations on him by saying outlandish things. The Lakers organization has not been shy about talking up their new point guard either. Magic Johnson has already anointed him as the face of the franchise and Jeannie Buss compared him to Johnson and Kobe Bryant.

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Those are some lofty goals, but Ball the hype train has not slowed down, especially after his performance in the Las Vegas Summer League. He dominated this year’s Summer League taking home MVP honors.

Ball has also received plenty of praise. ESPN predicts Ball will take home Rookie of the Year honors, while HoopsHype has already ranked Ball as the 19th best point guard in the NBA before even stepping on the court for a regular season game.

Ball’s Laker teammates have also spoken highly of him, offered him some advice, and are looking forward to playing with him. The most recent teammate to join that list is veteran small forward, Luol Deng.

Deng talked to James Walters of the Daily Star and spoke about how he was looking forward to playing with Ball.

"I’m looking forward to [playing with Ball]. I haven’t seen him play yet but I’m excited. The kid can play. He has a high basketball IQ so it’ll be good to work with him and see what he’s got."

Deng has played with some great point guards in his time in the NBA. He has played with Kyrie Irving, Derrick Rose and Goran Dragic, so he knows a thing or two about what it takes to be a great point guard in the NBA.

Ball is oozing with potential, and Deng sees that. Ball is the type of player that can help a veteran like Deng continue his career. At times Deng looked like he was coming to the end of his career last season, but Ball should be able to help rejuvenate him some.

Next: 4 Reasons Drafting Lonzo Ball Was Right move

Deng will most likely be a bench player for the Lakers this season, but he should still see the court some with Ball. He will benefit from playing alongside with Ball just like players has done since Ball’s high school days.

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