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Lakers News: LeBron James lauds Lonzo Ball, ‘someone you want to play with’

By Niel Victor Masoy

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 14: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers listens to LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Quicken Loans Arena on December 14, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Lakers 121-112. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers News: Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James had some kind words for Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball.

Recent Los Angeles Lakers news revolves around the team’s game last week against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Playing against the player he idolizes growing up in LeBron James, Los Lakers’ rookie Lonzo Ball displayed his all-around game by dropping a near triple-double of 13 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds in a 121-112 loss to the Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena.

LeBron, though, was far more impressive as he completed a triple-double with 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, leading his team to their 16th victory in 17 games.

After the game, the two players conversed with each other at halfcourt in a scene where James put over his jersey to cover his mouth. While it’s vague what LeBron really told Lonzo Ball, it’s clear as day that the four-time MVP has nothing but good words to say to the rookie.

Asked about what he really appreciates on Ball’s style of play, James said it’s the rookie’s team-oriented game and even went as far as saying ‘that’s someone that you want to play with’ via Corey Hansford and Serena Winters of Lakers Nation.

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“It’s always (about the) team. He passes the ball, pushes the ball up the floor. That’s someone that you want to play with,” James told reporters.

Indeed, Ball is really more about the team than his self. The former UCLA Bruin is averaging 7.1 assists per game to lead the Lakers in that department. That is an impressive statistic for any NBA player, let alone a rookie.

“This is a team game. Everyone gets so caught up in this individual thing, so the team game gets so overlooked,” he added.

“He’s a really good player.”

In a time where many people are jumping to a conclusion that Lonzo Ball is a ‘bust’, because of his poor shooting percentage and inconsistency, those were pretty big words coming from an all-time great player in James.

Recently, another all-time great and Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas said that Ball is not a bust and will be a star in the ‘slow-making’.

Game knows game as they say. And if James and Thomas’ comments on Lonzo Ball would stand the test of time, then the rookie would really be a great player barring any unfortunate circumstances.

But for now, maybe it’s too early to call if Ball is a bust or not as he has only played 28 NBA games.

Next: Lakers 10 Greatest Draft Picks of All-Time

Quotes and stats from LakersNation.com, NBA.com

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