Los Angeles Lakers: Five positive takeaways from loss to the Pelicans

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Lonzo Ball
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Lonzo Ball
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Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball's shooting slump continues vs New Orleans Pelicans
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Lonzo Ball shows extreme confidence

Lonzo had another rough outing last night. He shot a terrible 2-15 from the field, including 1-12 from distance. Though, Lakers fans should be slightly encouraged by his willingness to shoot in crunch-time.

Lonzo’s shot will develop over time. Remember, this is his first season. Very many rookies have come before him and performed much worse. Though he has been shooting poorly, his confidence hasn’t wavered. He believes in himself in the biggest of moments in a game, and fans should appreciate that. Eventually, this will be the player we want with the ball in the clutch. Laker legend, Kobe Bryant, built his career off clutch shots, but how many fans remember his multiple air-balls versus Utah in the ’97 playoffs? Lonzo needs to go through scenarios like last night to learn and develop.

Lonzo’s decision-making didn’t seem to anger coach Luke Walton either. In the press conference after the game, Walton had this to say about his point guard.

"“I want a point guard that’s got the courage to step up and take those, even after making a few. None of those were forced. They were open threes in rhythm. We believe in what he’s going to do for us in our future.”"

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If Walton is fine with these decisions by Lonzo, then I believe fans should be too. It would be a different story if most of these shots were contested or forced. Hopefully, Lonzo finds his rhythm sometime before the season ends. If so, we can get a better glimpse of what is to come.