Takeaway No. 6: Lonzo Returns From Injury
Lonzo Ball missed 15 consecutive games leading into the All-Star break with a knee strain. It was the second time this season he missed multiple games in a row, as he also missed six games in late December because of a shoulder ailment.
Without him, the Lakers found their footing a little bit but had their struggles as well. With him back in the lineup, the team was finally back to full strength and they took off.
Ball picked up right where he left off. Ball helped exact revenge on the Dallas Mavericks in the first game out of the All-Star break with nine points, seven rebounds and six assists. He sat out the game against the Kings because it was the second night of a back-to-back, and picked up again once he returned to the court.
Ball had a monster game against the Spurs, knocking down six 3-pointers with 11 assists and two steals. Against the Heat, Ball registered six steals.
The Lakers are a different team with Ball in the lineup, and they have been great since the All-Star break with him back. Ball showed throughout the road trip how he can impact the game in multiple ways.