Lonzo Ball Grade: B
Lonzo Ball’s two-year stint with the Los Angeles Lakers was injury-riddled. He appeared in only 52 games in his first season and 47 his second. Despite the lack of on-court availability and production from Ball, the hype and expectation surrounding him were insurmountable, in large part due to his father’s loud mouth.
When the trade discussions were going down it seemed inevitable that Ball would be shipped away. Like Ingram, Ball showed flashes of the player fans desperately wanted him to be, but never over long stretches of a season, often due to various injuries.
Ball has found a new role, away from the spotlight, with the Pelicans where he can serve as a dual purpose player. Ball is best as a point guard in get-it-and-go transition opportunities, where he is sprinting up the floor, however, he has also found a spot off the ball in the half-court in Gentry’s system. This is primarily because of Ball’s improved shooting numbers.
Coming out of college, one of the biggest questions surrounding Ball was his unorthodox shooting form and how it would translate to the NBA. There were certainly growing pains early on, but Ball has been a reliable spot-up three-point shooter for the Pelicans, something he was not on the Lakers. Ball shot 38 percent from three on 6.5 attempts when the season was interrupted and played the most games in his career, even in a shortened season.
His effective field goal percentage was also at a career-best 52 percent. Last season, Ball shot 32 percent from deep on 4.9 attempts.
Ball showed a clear boost with Zion Williamson in the lineup, given his natural playmaking ability and Williamson’s incredible athleticism. No pelicans player assisted Williamson more than Ball. In fact, it’s not even close. Ball assisted Williamson on 57 of his made field goals. Jrue Holiday is the next closest with 32 assists to Williamson.
As the Pelicans continue to establish their young core, Ball seems to have found a spot in the frame.