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Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball and the struggles of being a rookie

By Tadi Abedje

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to the media after the game against the Denver Nuggets on November 19, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to the media after the game against the Denver Nuggets on November 19, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Lonzo Ball he had expectations of being the next big thing. Some people compared him to Magic Johnson and some to Jason Kidd.

Los Angeles Laker rookie Lonzo Ball first showcased his talents in the Las Vegas Summer League. Ball had averages of 16.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 8.0 rebounds per game and was named MVP. Lakers fans envisioned that this would be the start of something special.

However, so far, he’s off to a rough start to his rookie year. He is averaging only 8.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.1 assists and 2.6 turnovers per game. He’s shooting a putrid 31.5 percent from the floor, 25.0 percent from 3-point land and 42.9 percent from the free throw line.

Here are three reasons why he’s struggling on the court.

Adjustment to the NBA

The transition from the college to the pros is challenging to all players. In college, you play approximately 30 regular season games, conference tournament games and then, potentially some postseason tournament games. In the professional ranks, it is different because teams play 82 games in the regular season. There are back to backs and four games in five nights.

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Ball is getting a reality check because he hasn’t been in shape after he injured his calf in the Summer League and missed a large chunk of training camp and the preseason. He’s also going through some personal issues of the court.

His Family

His younger brother, LiAngelo Ball, recently was arrested in China along with two other UCLA players for stealing a pair of sunglasses from a Louis Vuitton store. They have been suspended indefinitely because of their transgression.

His outspoken father, LaVar Ball, is also making headlines as he usually us. He has dismissed President Donald Trump’s role in bringing LiAngelo home. He has been criticizing the Lakers on how they’re too lenient on Zo.

Lavar said that the jump shot is fine as long as he’s making them consistently.

His shot

It is no secret that Ball has an unorthodox jump shot. He puts the ball from the left side of his head and shoots it like a fling shot.

Next: Lakers 10 Greatest Draft Picks of All-Time

With hard work and dedication, Lonzo Ball can be what Lakers fans want him to be, a superstar talent that can make the Lakers Great Again.

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