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Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James suggests wait for Lonzo Ball may be over

By James Francuz

EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Lonzo Ball #2 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers are seen posing for a portrait during media day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 24, 2018 in El Segundo, 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Lonzo Ball #2 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers are seen posing for a portrait during media day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 24, 2018 in El Segundo, 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LeBron James recently hinted that Lonzo Ball could be making his preseason debut for the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.

It has been a long last set of months for Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball. In mid-July, the team’s floor general had arthroscopic surgery done on his left knee.

Ball missed a cumulative total of 30 games last year for the Lakers. The young blood sat out for their final eight games in an effort to prevent the knee issues from escalating any further.

Likewise, Ball has been sidelined in the Lakers’ first four preseason contests thus far. Head coach Luke Walton emphasized a couple weeks ago that the organization had no desire to rush Ball. This decision made logical sense on account of how up-and-down the youngster’s rookie season was health wise.

Thankfully for the Lakers, a more than serviceable point guard has been able to play in Ball’s place during the preseason. That man is Rajon Rondo, who projects to be the type of guy who can mentor Lonzo in 2018-2019.

Akin to Lonzo, Rondo possesses an extremely high basketball IQ. Moreover, Rondo is very tough-minded in his approach, which has the potential to rub off on the Lakers’ second-year talent.

According to the Instagram account of LeBron James (per Rob Goldberg of Bleacher Report), Ball may finally get to share the court with players like Rondo on Wednesday.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bor98o-B5aw/?hl=en&taken-by=kingjames

While nothing is a given yet, James’ “born for this moment” comment is hard to not pay attention to. Certainly, it seems to suggest the wait for Lonzo Ball to return from injury is finally over.

Assuming James is not fooling around, the return of the “Young King” would come against the defending champion Golden State Warriors.

What is known for a fact is that Ball looks rock solid right now. Via team reporter Mike Trudell, the 20-year-old fully participated in practice yesterday and looks “great” per Walton’s assessment.

As Christian Rivas of Lonzo Wire reminds us, Ball’s injury has sidelined him since March 28. Therefore, being patient has been incredibly challenging for Lakers’ fans.

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If Ball plays tomorrow, it would mark his first time playing alongside James. If this indeed occurs, it will be a moment Ball will never forget.

Despite that truth, it is not only something Ball would benefit from. James recently revealed that it should be a pleasure playing with Ball due to what the latter brings to the table.

According to Ryan Ward of ClutchPoints (as transcribed by Goldberg), James has strong faith in Ball because he “knows the system.”

"“Zo knows the system better than anybody being the point guard of this squad last year,” he said Monday, per Ryan Ward of Clutch Points. “You want to defend. You want to rebound. You want to get out and run. Move the ball. Share the ball.”"

Everything LeBron says about Ball is right on the money. However, it is safe to say Zo’s selflessness is his deadliest weapon. As a rookie, the 6-foot-6 guard averaged an impressive 7.2 assists a night for the Lakers.

However, another key for Ball this season could be his shooting. The young Laker tweaked the release on his shot this offseason and it looks a lot more natural.

In terms of Ball, improving his shooting percentages will be crucial in 2018-2019. His field goal percentage was under 40 percent last season, which dipped below expectations. Thus, even a slight increase in his percentage would be a major blessing to the L.A. Lakers.

Nevertheless, Ball’s value to the Lakers should not be underestimated. He defines the mold of a true point guard due to his ability to make life easier for his teammates. The youngster will only add to the variety of playmakers the team boasts.

4 Goals For Lonzo Ball In 2018-19 Season. dark. Next

How he and James will mesh together remains to be seen. In spite of that, it is fair to suspect it should be quite a spectacle.

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