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Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball’s goal is Rookie of the Year

By Kenneth Teape

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Brian Babineau/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Brian Babineau/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball has one personal goal for the upcoming season; winning the Rookie of the Year award.

Before the Los Angeles Lakers landed the second pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Lonzo Ball was already a polarizing name. Once they landed that pick, ensuring Ball would stay local in Los Angeles, the hype reached a deafening level.

Ball has dominated every level of basketball he has thus far played in. At Chino Hills High School, Ball became one of the top prospects in the nation. As a senior, he led the Wildcats to an undefeated 35-0 record along with his brothers, LiAngelo and LaMelo.

Lonzo would average a triple-double, scoring 23.9 points along with 11.3 rebounds and 11.7 assists. He received multiple awards, including Mr. Basketball USA, Naismith Prep Player of the Year and USA Today Boys Basketball Player of the Year. The awards did not stop there.

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At UCLA, Ball once again dominated. He helped turn around a UCLA Bruins program that went 15-17 prior to him arriving. In his lone season as a Bruin, Ball led the team to 31 wins. Ball re-wrote the record books, breaking the UCLA record for most assists by a freshman. He also led college basketball with 7.6 assists per game.

That, not surprisingly, led to even more awards and recognition for Ball. He was a unanimous All-American and received the Wayman Tisdale Award, which is given to the top freshman in the nation. He was also a finalist for the Wooden Award, Naismith College Player of the Year and Oscar Robertson Trophy.

There is no doubt that the mantle where Ball lives, or at his family’s house, is full of awards and trophies. He is hoping that he adds even more to that already extensive list in the NBA. Which does he have an eye on already? The Rookie of the Year award, of course.

When asked by ESPN Los Angeles for a personal goal for the season, Ball said winning the Rookie of the Year.

Ball has an excellent chance of taking home the Rookie of the Year award. This is a deep and talented class, but Ball will have every chance to produce right off the bat.

He is a virtual lock for the starting point guard spot on the Lakers. The team plans to play fast, as head coach Luke Walton wants Ball to push the pace. With an improved roster, the Lakers will be a lot of fun to watch this season.

Next: 3 Goals For Lonzo Ball's Rookie Season

If the Las Vegas Summer League is any indication, the Lakers are going to get out in the open court early and often. There are a lot of athletically gifted players on the team that want to run. It is a style that suits Ball well, as his passing skills should be on full display from Day 1. He has a chance to put up some gaudy stats as the Lakers are committed to him.

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