Los Angeles Lakers: 5 reasons why trading Lonzo Ball was the right move

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 25: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands for the National Anthem prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 25, 2018 in Oakland, 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)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 25: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands for the National Anthem prior to the start of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 25, 2018 in Oakland, 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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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images

Many Los Angeles Lakers fans liked Lonzo Ball during his short tenure with the team, but his move to New Orleans can be good for him, as well as for the purple and gold

There was and is a lot to like about former Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball. He’s a (very) good defender, passer and rebounder, he has the ability to speed up the game and put pressure on the defense, he’s a low key guy, and he’s young with the potential, at least conceivably, to get better in the coming years.

But he also came with more than his share of red flags, some of which frustrated some Lakers fans at times during his two years with the team.

When you have to accept those strengths along with his many weaknesses, it’s hard to give a person like him nothing but unconditional love all the time.

It’s one thing to show those weaknesses when you’re a 19-year-old rookie. But it’s a whole other thing when you still have those weaknesses as a second-year player, and those weaknesses are just as bad in your sophomore season as they were during your rookie season.

As it turned out, Ball was eventually shipped out in the Anthony Davis trade. As much as we may miss some of the things he brought to the table, we also have to admit that Ball’s move to New Orleans should ultimately be good for all parties involved.

There are several reasons why.