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Los Angeles Lakers: GM Rob Pelinka wants Lonzo Ball to bulk up this summer

By James Francuz

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 22: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on March 22, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers general manager recently emphasized that he wants his point guard to hit the gym this summer.

Los Angeles Lakers youngster Lonzo Ball had a rookie season that was filled with everlasting scrutiny. A lot of that scrutiny came due to the virtually impossible expectations placed on him at such a tender age.

Some (namely LaVar Ball) thought that Lonzo would immediately lead Los Angeles back to the playoffs. Conversely, others believed the oldest Ball brother would be a total bust. In reality, neither of those came to fruition.

While certain fans might pose arguments for the “bust” part of the equation, those same fans should exercise caution. Yes, it is understandable that Ball’s accuracy when it came to his shooting was far from great. Here and there it seemed like he could not shoot the ball into the Pacific Ocean.

It is fair to point out as well that the 20-year-old could have been more aggressive. This could have resulted in higher percentage shots, spurring a higher shooting percentage.

Despite that, Ball was a fine floor general in his rookie season. He played a huge role in ensuring that the Lakers played at a high-octane pace.

The pace L.A. played at led to a surplus of easy baskets for the team. Needless to say, Ball was oftentimes the catalyst in such sequences, hence why he led the Lakers in dimes at 7.2 a night.

Lonzo was also a surprisingly adept rebounder for the Lakers. In getting nearly seven boards a game, he proved he is not afraid to clean up the glass.

Related Story: Lonzo Ball's Top 5 Games In 2017-18

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of his game, though, was his intuitive nature on defense. Going into his rookie campaign, no one expected much from the UCLA product on that end. However, his above average length as far as point guards are concerned proved to be invaluable for Los Angeles.

Taking all of this into account, it is difficult to label Lonzo a “bust.” While his game is not fully polished, there are various positives to consider.

Although that is true, there is a deeper level of concern that is unrelated to his shooting. In his first year in the NBA, LaVar’s son missed quite a few games. To be precise, Lonzo missed 30.

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That number is high and one could contend it should have been lower. The Lakers’ point guard typically stayed on the sidelines longer than estimated timetables suggested when he was hurt. Given that truth, the 16-time champs are hoping to reverse that trend in Ball’s sophomore year.

In recent memory, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka touched on the subject matter. He concedes that because Lonzo was injury prone, No. 2 will need to hit the weights this summer. Via Lakers Nation writer Corey Hansford, Pelinka said this about Lonzo.

"“I think he’s actually a really good conditioned athlete in terms of he could run all game long and never get tired. His dad trained him on the hills of Chino Hills, so he’s greatly conditioned. Now he needs to match strength and just muscle mass, so that his body, when he takes a bump, doesn’t turn into five games, 10 games sitting out.”"

Pelinka brings up a key point when referring to how Lonzo could “run” throughout the course of a game. When the latter was doing just that, the Lakers were hard to keep up with.

Ball does need to put some meat on those bones, though. It is plausible to think that his lack of aggression at times was due to his lankier frame.

However, Ball cannot use that as an excuse. In his second year, more will be expected from him. Having some more muscle will likely allow those expectations to be met more easily.

The young man struggled to finish in the paint as a rookie. It sheds light on why he felt more comfortable tossing up shots from the perimeter.

Adding more muscle, as Pelinka indicates, will create more opportunities for Lonzo and the Lakers. It would give Ball greater confidence in driving to the hoop, which could grant him and his teammates with easy deuces.

As Hansford recalls, Brandon Ingram was in a similar position a year ago. Ingram put in the work last summer to get stronger and his stats clearly demonstrate that.

Therefore, assuming the former Bruin bulks up this summer, the results will surely be there.

Next: Lonzo Ball 2018 Offseason To-Do List

Ball is a critical component of this young Lakers roster. Consequently, one can only hope Zo listens to what Pelinka’s demands entail.

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