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Los Angeles Lakers: Reporter believes players will want to join forces with Lonzo Ball

By James Francuz

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 11: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 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 - MARCH 11: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 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) /
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ESPN’s Jeff Goodman thinks Lonzo Ball’s selfless nature will help the Los Angeles Lakers recruit other players this offseason.

The Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of what will be a critical offseason. Many expect that they will do all they can to pursue the likes of LeBron James and Paul George due to having ample cap space. Let alone that, though, Lonzo Ball’s sheer presence may help them attract marquee talent.

ESPN’s Jeff Goodman recently asserted that Ball’s selfless attitude would be instrumental in that aspect. The reporter argued that Ball’s pass-first mentality is an element any outside player would take into account.

While Ball was fairly passive at times in his rookie year, no one can deny that he wants to share the sugar. The fact that he averaged a rock solid 7.2 assists per night substantiates that idea.

As noted, Goodman shed light on Lonzo’s playing style recently, saying that it makes life “easier” for others. Via Lonzo Wire’s Josh Martin, this is what the reporter said on the matter.

"“I do think players will want to play with Lonzo Ball,” Goodman said. “I think after going against him, after seeing him this past year, I think every player wants to play with a guy that can make them better and make life easier for them.”"

Goodman went on to convey that Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka will need to use this tool to their advantage in the summer. Marketing Ball’s selflessness is all too important if someone gambles on the Lakers.

Some players may be quick to realize that there are holes in Ball’s game, though. Michael Kaskey-Blomain of 247 Sports touched on some of these areas of concern in a recent piece.

Kaskey-Blomain described the youngster’s first year as “up-and-down” because of a lack of durability. Ball’s time on the court was sporadic at best, as evidenced by his 52 appearances.

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Of course, too, it does not require a genius to see that Lonzo was a very inefficient shooter. Whether he was 25 feet away from the basketball or just a few feet, the execution was rarely there. The 6-foot-6 guard just looked way too hesitant when putting up shots, too, which is never a great sign.

Ball’s flaws should not be the only spots that are focused on when discussing his game. After averaging nearly seven rebounds a game as a rookie, the 20-year-old showed fans he is no slouch in the paint. Likewise, his rebounding demonstrated how good he is as a ball distributor.

A lot of his rebounds subsequently led to fast break opportunities for Los Angeles. Thus, despite Ball’s ineffectiveness at scoring, he still managed to create many such opportunities for his teammates.

Ball also put on display his abilities on “D.” It is interesting to point out since few, if any, expected much from the UCLA Bruin on that end of the hardwood.

However, Lonzo tended to be more than a pest on defense. As the season progressed, he got much better when it came to reading certain sequences. This often led to deflections, or, if there was any luck, steals.

Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes understands this component of Ball’s game. In fact, he went on to jot down just how good Ball was as a defender.

"“Ball ranked third among point guards in defensive real plus-minus as a rookie. That’s a lofty spot you might find anomalous, but his length and anticipation are real tools. There’s a good chance Ball is in line to rank among the defensive leaders at the position for a long time.”"

It makes sense that areas like Lonzo’s scoring continue to be roasted. At the same time, it is worth noting that the young man affects the game in so many other ways.

Ball is still so young and has already proven how versatile he is. Sure, he needs to improve his shooting. Moreover, the Lakers’ guard could probably afford to add a few pounds so he can better absorb contact.

Next: Lonzo Ball 2018 Offseason To-Do List

Despite his weaknesses, Ball certainly has a lot of tools in his arsenal. That will be hard for players to ignore, which could very well cause them to want to unite with Zo in Hollywood.

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