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Los Angeles Lakers: Was 2017 the best rookie class ever

By Cameron Salce

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Lonzo Ball #2, Josh Hart #5 and Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Brian Babineau/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 11: Lonzo Ball #2, Josh Hart #5 and Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Brian Babineau/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers want to see a more selfish Lonzo Ball
Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images /

Lonzo Ball showed flashes of brilliance

Coming into the season there was not another rookie that came in with more hype than number two pick Lonzo Ball. He might not have reached those lofty expectations in year one, yet he did show signs of what made him so great at UCLA.

Ball struggled with shooting the ball and scoring, but he was successful in pretty much every other facet of the game. His playmaking ability transitioned seamlessly into the NBA and allowed him to lead the team with 7.2 assists per game.

Everyone thought he would be a good passer, but no one expected that he would be such an active rebounder and defender. He finished the season second on the team in rebounds with 6.9 a game and was first on the team in steals with an impressive 1.7 average.

His two best games of the season came when he posted triple-doubles. In his first one against the Milwaukee Bucks, Ball became the youngest player ever to record a triple-double. He had an impressive stat line of 19 points, 12 rebounds, and a career-high 13 assists.

The second triple-double came against the Denver Nuggets when he 11 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists. Those two games showed a glimpse into what Ball’s ceiling is as a pro, he could become a nightly triple-double threat if he continues to improve.

If he can just stay healthy and improve his shot, then the sky is the limit for him. He shot 36 percent from the floor and 45 percent from the line, so there is a ton of room for improvement.

Even with his horrendous shooting numbers, he still made the All-Rookie second team. That shows how much the rest of the league respects the rest of his all-around game.

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