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Los Angeles Lakers Talk: Too early to call Lonzo Ball a bust

By Patrick Hardy

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 22: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 22, 2017 in Sacramento, 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. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 22: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on November 22, 2017 in Sacramento, 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. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball has been under the microscope but it is too early to truly judge him.

If you ask almost any Los Angeles Lakers fan about Lonzo Ball and the start to his rookie season, most would give you the look of disappointment or provide you with a deep sigh of frustration. That is, almost any Laker fan at least.

Lonzo Ball, was a highly touted prospect coming out of UCLA and the new Lakers regime of Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka used the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft on him. Many hope he will be the next Laker after Kobe Bryant to have his jersey hung up in the rafters, but he has not had the dream start that many Laker fans expected. That is exactly where we have gone wrong. Yes, us the fans have been wrong.

We have not been wrong in believing the hype. We have not been wrong in entrusting the great Magic Johnson with the keys to our beloved Laker. Where we have done wrong is in tempering our expectations in the early going, including myself.

What must be understood first and foremost is that Lonzo Ball, as of October 27th, is 20 years old. Jason Kidd, whom Ball is often compared, averaged 11.7 points, 7.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds in 79 games played. Lonzo currently is averaging 9.0 points, 7.1 assists, and 7.4 rebounds through 19 games played.

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You’re smart, read the numbers, they don’t lie. Lonzo is not far off and in some aspects is excelling. Also, keep in mind Jason Kidd was drafted at the seasoned age of 21 after spending two seasons as a Cal Golden Bear.

Lets not also forget that Lonzo recently became the youngest player in NBA history to post a triple-double in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks. He put up 19 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds. In that game, he also sprinkled in 3 steals and 4 blocks.

Lonzo then added a second triple-double against the Denver Nuggets on November 19th. So Laker fans and basketball fans, do not fret.

Not So Fast…

With all this being said, Lonzo must clearly make some refinements to his game to reach the All-Star level, as he, his father and LakerNation expect him to reach.

Lonzo’s shot has not been falling what so ever, currently shooting at a 31.5 percent clip. So he must either refine his shooting form or throw it out completely and start a new in the offseason, there are no other options because right now it is not pretty, and it is only pretty when hits nylon.

Lonzo must also make a commitment to work hard long hours in the weight room with the Lakers new strength and conditioning coach Gunnar Peterson. It’s obvious when watching Lonzo he is just not able to finish around the rim as well as he had in the past at UCLA and in high school, which is to be expected. Putting the time into the weight room could help alleviate this problem.

Next: 4 Reasons Drafting Lonzo Ball Was Right Move

All things considered, it is premature to determine Lonzo Ball as a bust or not. Although he has amazing upside and historic numbers certainly in this moment can lean in his favor, he does have a lot to work on in order to live up to the billing his father, Magic Johnson and us Laker fans have made for him.

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