Los Angeles Lakers power forward Julius Randle has been wowed by the passing ability of Lonzo Ball in training camp.
The Los Angeles Lakers war room cheered with jubilation on the night of the NBA Draft Lottery. The Lakers faced some poor odds in regards to keeping their first-round pick. Odds were in favor of the Lakers having to send their pick to the Philadelphia 76ers from a previous trade. However, Lady Luck was on the Lakers side.
The Lakers defied the odds, not only remaining in the top-three but moving up to the No. 2 spot. Excitement once again filled the room, as the Lakers knew they would be getting their man; Lonzo Ball.
Ball played in the Lakers backyard as a freshman at UCLA. He was a transcendent talent, helping turn the Bruins around in just one season. Prior to Ball’s arrival, the Bruins went 15-17; in his lone season with the team Ball helped lead the team to 32 wins and Sweet 16 appearance.
Ball is a culture changer. The Lakers are hoping he can do the same for them. President of basketball operations, Magic Johnson, has already called Ball the face of the franchise, putting immense pressure on the youngster.
Los Angeles Lakers
High expectations have followed Ball for years. As a senior at Chino Hills, he helped lead an undefeated team, along with his brother LiAngelo and LaMelo, to a national championship. He helped turn UCLA around and led the Lakers to a Las Vegas Summer League title, taking home MVP honors.
At each stop, Ball was arguably the best player on the court a majority of the team. More often than not, when a player is better than his opponents, it will show in the scoring department. Ball can score the basketball, but his greatest skill is in his passing.
Ball is an elite passer. He has elite size for a point guard, enabling him to see over defenders with outstanding court vision. Despite the ability to score when he wants, Ball enjoys passing and getting his teammates involved.
That was on full display in Las Vegas, as he broke assist records. That seems to have carried over into training camp, as Ball is leading his scrimmage teams to undefeated performances.
Teammates are taking notice. One that has commented on his passing ability is power forward, Julius Randle.
"“Zo plays a great pace. His vision is obviously second to none, and his understanding of the game. So he looked amazing.”"
Randle saw first hand how great he was passing the ball around in games. After having to play against Ball in the scrimmages, Randle was on his team Friday and was undoubtedly the beneficiary of multiple great assists.
Randle should get used to those passes. The Lakers want to push the pace, and Ball thrives in the open court. With Ball leading the way, the Lakers have the makings of a new age Showtime Lakers.
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There is a lot of work to be done to earn such a moniker. However, this youthful roster has created a lot of buzz and hope in Hollywood. The light at the end of the tunnel is definitely near for the Lakers.