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Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball heeding the advice of his manager

By Kenneth Teape

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 05: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on January 5, 2018 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. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 05: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a game against the Charlotte Hornets at Staples Center on January 5, 2018 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. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers rookie point guard Lonzo Ball has been under the microscope for months. Even before the spotlight brightened by becoming the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Ball had all eyes on him.

At UCLA he was a star. LaVar Ball made him a topic of discussion with his boisterous predictions, such as Lonzo being a better player than Stephen Curry. Ball was never going to have an easy transition to the NBA, but he looked like he would still be able to perform.

Ball dominated the Las Vegas Summer League, taking home MVP honors. Plenty of buzz arose, as people believed the Lakers could have playoff aspirations. Coupled with fellow rookie Kyle Kuzma, and Brandon Ingram‘s improvements, the Lakers looked good.

However, things have come crashing down to Earth in recent weeks. The Lakers have been playing some bad basketball recently. After getting blown out by the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, the Lakers are riding a nine-game losing streak; longer than any losing streak they had last season.

Since a two-game winning streak on November 19th and 21st that moved their record to 8-10, the Lakers have gone an abysmal 3-16.

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There have been plenty of reasons for the poor performance. Injuries and as a result inconsistent rotations and playing time, are near the top of that list. One of those players who was injured was Ball.

Without their point guard, the Lakers offense cratered. It became stagnant with no flow. Defensively they also struggled. While Ball isn’t lauded for his defense, he was a key component of the Lakers’ team defense given his size at the top of their attack. His ability to rebound is also a big help.

With him sidelined the Lakers seemed to lose their edge. Ball, like many of his teammates, are very young. The losing, constant trade rumors and fluid rotations are draining on some of them. For Ball, being injured was frustrating.

Prior to the injury, Ball looked like he was finally rounding into form offensively. His shooting percentages were on the rise and the Lakers were playing competitively. Part of that success and turnaround can be credited to Ball’s manager, Darren Moore.

Ball is usually very positive and energetic, but something was lacking in early December. As a result, Moore reminded him that he just needs to have fun. It caught Ball’s attention and he turned around rather quickly after that.

"“NBA, that’s the biggest spotlight I’ve ever been in before. It was crazy at first,” Ball said. “I just had to take a step back. Get back to what I know: having fun.“After that conversation we had, I just stepped back. Put all the stats aside. Put the record aside.”"

With all of the expectations and pressure that Ball has on him, no one can blame him for having some down moments where he isn’t enjoying himself. However, sometimes a simple reminder, such as the one Moore provided him, can get that spark back.

There is a lot to like about Ball’s personality. He wants to win and is uber competitive. He is used to winning, and all the losing he has done with the Lakers is probably more than he was experienced in his whole life previously. However, taking a step back as he did and remembering he is just playing a game and to have fun can go a long way.

The Lakers aren’t performing as well as they would want to. It pains everyone in the organization and in the fan base, and maybe they need to take some of the same advice that Ball did.

Next: 50 Greatest Players In Lakers Franchise History

It is tough to have fun when you are losing, but the Lakers can still enjoy themselves bringing the game energy and effort that they had prior to the most recent losing streak.

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