Despite Lonzo Ball’s struggles as a rookie for the Los Angeles Lakers, Warriors superstars Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry gave their opinions on the Lakers’ rising point guard.
Both fans and critics have raved about Lonzo Ball of the Los Angeles Lakers and his play on arguably the highest platform that anyone can be on. Much of the criticism during his rough patch points to his poor play in the first quarter of the Lakers’ season. Ball’s play points back to his father, LaVar Ball’s mouth.
The roller coaster ride could not have been any more tumultuous for the 20-year-old Lonzo Ball.
He showed his fair share of great talent throughout the season. Ball tallied a 29-point, 11 rebound, and nine assist effort against the Phoenix Suns. He recorded an 11-point, 16 rebound, and 11 assist stat-line against the Jokic-less Denver Nuggets. Ball supremely placed his best landmark as a Laker during his confrontation with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. That day, Ball became the youngest rookie to record a triple-double in NBA history.
Still, Ball has his downsides. He boasts dreadful offensive numbers. Lonzo is shooting at a hideous 30.9 percent overall, 24.5 percent from deep, and 42.9 percent from the strike (fifth lowest in the league). Ball scored under six points eight times this season. His UCLA statistics of 14.6 PPG and 55.1 percent from the floor so far failed to translate into acceptable NBA numbers.
Steph Curry on facing Lonzo Ball for the first time, people trying to change his shot and whether the LaVar comments last year are extra motivation ("No. More comic relief.") pic.twitter.com/CY9RkHRAAs
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 28, 2017
The Warriors sharpshooter Stephen Curry spoke about his shot and his season so far as a whole. Here’s what he said about Ball to Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
Next: 3 Takeaways from loss to Clippers
It is fitting that Stephen Curry mentioned his rookie season. Many NBA fans forget that Curry was more inconsistent than often and struggled to keep his body from ankle injuries. It took the Warriors five years to see that Steph was a once-in-a-generational talent.
Stephen Curry was then asked about LaVar Ball, the infamously boisterous father.
"“Nah. More comic relief for me. I need that from time to time.”"
Quick to note that LaVar Ball called his eldest son “better than Stephen Curry” in a First Take session debate with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. Curry is using the instance as his motivation to prepare for the Lakers match-up.
Kevin Durant on the young Lakers and Lonzo Ball, who the Warriors will face for the first time tomorrow pic.twitter.com/i67fmeukf1
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 28, 2017
The second-year Warrior Kevin Durant was also asked about Lonzo Ball. He jumped to respond.
"“Lonzo is just playing like a rookie, as far as learning the game, finding the ins and outs of the game. It’s slowing down for him. Picking and choosing his spots. He’s still figuring it out. He’s…19? That’s what any 19-year-old would go through in the pros. It’s just a matter of him being in L.A., where the eyes and scrutiny are on him. He’s playing like he should play as far as learning the game and adjusting on the fly.”"
Kevin Durant has a point. It took six years for many people to see that Stephen Curry was a separation from many of the NBA world. Wizards superstar and former #1 draft pick John Wall took five years to reach All-Star level. Raptors slasher DeMar DeRozan was not an All-Star until six years after he was drafted.
Next: 3 Takeaways from loss to Clippers
Lonzo Ball needs time. It is too early to say that he is a definite bust. Until then, we should let Ball show us what he can do on the floor.
The Warriors and Lakers look to match up in Staples Center on Wednesday night.