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Los Angeles Lakers: Team wants Lonzo Ball to work on ballhandling this summer

By James Francuz

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 09: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings defends against the dribble of Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on January 9, 2018 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. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 09: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings defends against the dribble of Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on January 9, 2018 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. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Among other things, the Lakers want their prized point guard to become a stronger ballhandler this offseason.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball revealed in 2017-2018 what some of the hype what all about. His above average length playing at PG enabled him to read certain scenarios in advance while on “D.” On various occasions, his sharp instincts led to a steal, a quick outlet pass for a teammate, and an easy deuce.

At the same time, fans also caught a glimpse of some of Ball’s weaknesses. His skinnier build made it tougher for him to absorb contact near the rim (which is normal with rookies).

However, his inability to consistently knock down perimeter shots was perhaps his most talked about issue all season long.

Although that is true, Lakers’ assistant coach Miles Simon wants Ball to work on another area this summer. Via Josh Martin of Lonzo Wire, Simon hopes that Lonzo can develop his ballhandling skills (courtesy of team reporter Mike Trudell).

"“This offseason, part of his plan is becoming a better ballhandler, and having a comfortability with the ball,” Simon told Lakers.com’s Mike Trudell. “He’s so used to getting a rebound, taking one or two dribbles sometimes and passing the ball. That’s great, and there are going to be times he does that, but there will also be times where we need his handle to be better.”"

Simon’s description of what Ball can do with the ball in his hands is dead on. It says a lot about why Los Angeles picked up the former UCLA Bruin last summer.

Ball has a high basketball IQ and is always focused on setting up someone else to succeed. Zo’s mind just works at a different pace than most.

While it is hard to knock Lonzo for his selfless demeanor, it sometimes came at a cost for L.A. in his rookie campaign. In deferring to others so often, the opposition was able to pick up on that tendency throughout the course of a game.

For example, when Lonzo would sometimes throw passes three-quarters of the way down the court to a teammate, it was difficult to not sit there in awe. Such decisions are not going to be the most intelligent all the time. It gets to a point where it simply becomes predictable.

That being said, what Miles Simon wants Ball to work on this summer is more than fair. What is encouraging is that once Ball’s ballhandling improves, it will open new doors for him and the rest of the Lakers.

Part of Ball’s issue as a rookie was locating that fine balance between his passing and shooting. In resorting to the former so often, though, the young man’s true potential was not unleashed.

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By increasing his ballhandling abilities, the latter will accordingly get better with time. It will raise his confidence as a shooter as well given that his offensive repertoire is not too diverse at this stage.

Via Martin, Simon delved into further detail about why he is yearning for Lonzo to work on his dribbles.

"“Guys are pressuring him in the halfcourt and on pick and rolls, or he’s going to have the ball late in the clock,” Simon added. “Can he break his guy down and get in the paint not only for a shot for himself but for his teammates? He’s tall, so can he play a little closer to the ground? So his handle is one of the most important things.”"

The Lakers’ point guard does not have to miraculously develop the ballhandling skills of Kyrie Irving. No one is asking Ball to go to those kinds of lengths. Nevertheless, if No. 2 can get stronger in that area this offseason, it will make things way easier this fall.

On that note, too, it will become harder for opposing defenses to know what Lonzo is going to do. Therefore, it will make for a much more polished version of Lonzo Ball. Provided how gifted he already is, that is a great thing without a doubt.

Mike Trudell asked Simon about what Ball can specifically do to ensure the ballhandling gets better. Upon being asked, the Lakers’ assistant coach said repetition is the name of the game.

"“Every day, it’s seven to 10 minutes of ballhandling. Sometimes it’s stationary, sometimes on the move. I approach it with the mentality of shooting. People say shooting is muscle memory, where you have to do it over and over again.”"

Even though redundancy sounds unexciting on paper, it is crucial for a young guy like Lonzo. Doing the same stuff daily will allow the Orange County native to develop better habits headed into his sophomore season.

Next: Lonzo Ball 2018 Offseason To-Do List

Let alone better habits, the work in the gym will likewise lead to better results. That is the most important thing for sure. It is especially critical for a team that is hoping to become relevant again.

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