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Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball plans on getting healthy and working hard

By Nick Ziegler

SAN JOSE, CA - OCTOBER 12: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of their NBA basketball game at SAP Center on October 12, 2018 in San Jose, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA - OCTOBER 12: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Golden State Warriors during the first half of their NBA basketball game at SAP Center on October 12, 2018 in San Jose, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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After an injury-plagued season, Los Angeles Lakers point guard, Lonzo Ball, is focused on a healthy offseason.

One of the reasons for the struggles of the Los Angeles Lakers this season was because of injuries. Prior to the team really being hit by the injury bug, the Lakers were the 4th seed in the Western Conference.

However, all of the injuries added up and resulted in the Lakers falling in the Western Conference standings quickly. The big injury to the team was on Christmas when LeBron James went down. While that was a big blow, the Lakers also missed Lonzo Ball a lot this season when he was out. Especially on the defensive end.

In his second season, Ball was only able to play in 47 games, as a severe ankle sprain cost him a good chunk of the season. While Ball did miss a ton of time, he is going to have a healthy summer this year, which was something that he didn’t have last year. Recently, Ball talked about what he will be working on with Corey Hansford of LakersNation.com.

"“We’re going to start off with free throws until my ankle gets 100 percent,” Ball said during the team’s exit interviews recently. “But just everything — shooting the ball, catch-and-shoot, a lot of pick-and-roll work… anything I can do.”"

First and foremost, getting 100 percent healthy is the priority for Ball this summer. Injuries have been a big issue so far in his career, and the Lakers need Ball to start playing more games. Playing in fewer than 100 games in two years is not what Ball or the Lakers want in the years to come.

Once Ball is healthy, working on his free throws will be very important. Seeing Ball shooting it under 50 percent from the free throw line this season was hard to watch. After improving his free throws, Ball will likely continue to work on his three-point shooting, which was something he did get better at in his second season. However, there is still room for improvement.

On the defensive end, Ball has proven to be one of the best defensive guards in the league already. When Ball went down with an injury this season, the Lakers’ defense went down with him.

Next. 2018-19 Player Grades: Lonzo Ball. dark

As Ball prepares for his third season, this will be a very important summer for him. With a chance to take another step forward, a healthy and productive summer will be key.

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