Los Angeles Lakers point guard, Lonzo Ball, has returned to the court after receiving a PRP shot about a month ago.
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball had an up and down rookie season. Overall, it was a solid first impression. However, there were a few things that stood out negatively.
While many people will harp on his shooting percentages, arguably the most disappointing thing about his rookie season was his durability or lack thereof.
Ball missed 30 games in his first season with the Lakers. It was a surprise, as Ball was quite durable throughout his basketball career previously. It was one of the reasons that his father, LaVar Ball was critical of Lakers trainer, Gunnar Peterson.
Ball suffered multiple injuries his first season. He injured his shoulder, suffered a knee strain and had a knee bruise. Los Angeles is hoping that Ball will bulk up this summer in an effort to become more durable. Teammate Kyle Kuzma mentioned that Ball is taking the weight room more seriously now, which is a step in the right direction.
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While working in the weight room is important, Ball does need to get reps on the court as well. While people spoke about his weight training, there was no discussion of on-court work. Now, we know why.
It was revealed that Ball had a platelet-rich plasma shot to help treat and strengthen his injured left knee. The bruised knee is what kept him out the final eight games of the regular season. The shot caused Ball to be sidelined for about a month, but he was able to return to the court this week.
The injury did not require surgery and was considered minor. After undergoing the procedure in late-April, Ball says he is now feeling much better.
"“I just got back [on the court],” Ball told ESPN at the Big Baller Brand Junior Basketball Association media day at Citizens Business Bank Arena, where he joined his father and brothers. “But I have been lifting weights. Nothing stopped me from doing that. I just got back on the court though, but everything is feeling good.”“Just basically took time off [to let the knee heal],” added Ball, who played in 52 games and averaged 10.2 points, 7.2 assists, 6.9 rebounds and 1.7 steals as a rookie. “They [treated] it and it feels good now.”"
Ball added that he is back to 100 percent and fully healthy. This is excellent news, as it means Ball can finally get back to work on the court, improving his game.
"“Just been in the weight room, trying to put on that weight,” said Ball, whose younger brother LaMelo will play in the eight-team JBA when its season starts on June 21. “And on the court, a lot of ballhandling, a lot of shooting. I am trying to critique everything and fine tune and get ready for next year.”"
The Lakers are hopeful that Ball can continue rounding out his play on the offensive side of the ball. While his playmaking and passing are exceptional, the team is hoping he can become more aggressive offensively and improve his ball handling.
Next: Lonzo Ball 2018 Offseason To-Do List
It sounds like Ball is doing his part in improving, which is great news for him and the team. If he is able to continue improving and get closer to realizing his potential, it would go a long way in the Lakers turning things around and become contenders once again.