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Los Angeles Lakers: Why Lonzo Ball returning tonight is crucial

By Phillip Hawkins

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 7: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at Wells Fargo Center on December 7, 2017 in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 7: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at Wells Fargo Center on December 7, 2017 in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers will be getting a big boost on Friday night with the return of Lonzo Ball.

After missing the last six games Lonzo Ball is finally returning for the Los Angeles Lakers.  Ball is recovering from a left shoulder injury that’s kept him out since December 23rd.  The Lakers have lost their last eight games and it has been a struggle since his injury.  Without Lonzo the offense has lost it’s flow and the pace that they had been playing with all season. What he brings to the team when he’s on the floor is crucial.

 Pace

Without Lonzo Ball it seems like the Lakers offense has lost it’s pace.  The once fast-paced, uptempo offense is now running in a more half-court pace.  There’s nothing wrong with that, but this isn’t the style of play the team is accustom to.  With Ball coming back look for the pace of the team to improve, and guys to start passing more.  We’ll see how big his impact is when tonight’s game tips off.

Defensively

At 6’6″ Lonzo brings more to the Lakers defense than people realize.  He’s proven with his length that he can block and bother shots, and he can also get a steals when possible.  He is averaging one block and one steal per game this season.  After losing by almost 40 to the Thunder on Wednesday any help they can get defensively right now will be a plus.  Hopefully, Lonzo will be ready for tonight’s challenge when he matches up with Charlotte’s Kemba Walker.

Winning Mentality

The Lakers are currently on a eight-game losing streak, six of which came while Lonzo was hurt.  In five of those six losses without Ball, the Lakers lost by more than ten points.  The largest lost they suffered without Ball was against the Thunder when they lost by 37.  In their losses with Ball they have been in close games with teams like Portland, Golden State, and even Cleveland.  The Lakers should have more energy and confidence when they tip off Friday night.

Next: Lessons from a failed Super Team

December was a rough month to be a Lakers fan with all the losses they suffered.  Hopefully, with the start of the new year, and their starting point guard returning they can get back on track.  We’ll see if they have what it takes to snap this eight game losing streak.

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