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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 takeaways from huge win against San Antonio Spurs

By Zain Danani

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 11: Larry Nance Jr. #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to his dunk in front of Kyle Anderson #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during a 93-81 Laker win at Staples Center on January 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 11: Larry Nance Jr. #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to his dunk in front of Kyle Anderson #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during a 93-81 Laker win at Staples Center on January 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 11: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs on January 11, 2018 at STAPLES Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 11: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs on January 11, 2018 at STAPLES Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Lonzo Effect

Unlike Ingram, Lonzo had struggled a bit with his shot ever since his return. In his first three games back, he shot below 40 percent twice. Last night, however, he flipped the script.

Ball scored 18 points while shooting 63.6 percent from the floor. Moreover, he made four triples and shot 57.1 percent from deep. Zo also continued to keep up his all-around game as he chipped in 10 rebounds, six assists, and four steals.

Similar to Brandon, Ball’s effect has been greatly noted over the past four games. Prior to his return, the Lakers had lost six straight games without Lonzo. Moreover, the last of those losses was by an outrageous 37-point margin to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Since his return, however, things have changed.

The Lakers have now won three of their last four games with Zo back in the lineup, and have a season-high three-game win streak. From its six-game losing streak to its four-game span with Lonzo, the Lakers have improved their shooting from 44.6 percent to 46.2 percent. Additionally, in the same respect, the team has improved their three-point shooting from 31.1 percent to 34.5 percent.

Although the margin of improvement seems small, it is incredible to see a rookie improve a whole team’s shooting by two to three percent. Lonzo has been great since his return and has averaged 11.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and seven assists on 42.9 shooting from the field and 36.7 percent from deep.

If Ball can continue to play at a high level and elevate the team’s play, playoff hopes for next year may not be too unrealistic.

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