2017 NBA Draft: 3 reasons Los Angeles Lakers must be wary of Lonzo Ball

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The physicality of the NBA

Despite all of the recent scrutiny regarding fouls and the overall sense of softness around the NBA, the league is still characterized by tough, physical play. Unfortunately, that doesn’t appear to be something Ball is very comfortable with.

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Ball typically doesn’t have too much trouble finding his way into the paint, especially on the break. However, when he does go inside, he often opts to pass the ball away instead of going up for a tough shot when a bigger defender stands between him and the basket. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s also not ideal when your point guard shies away from contact.

It doesn’t help that the former Bruin sports a lanky frame, measuring in at 6’6″, 190 pounds. I’m sure he’ll put some weight and muscle on at the next level, but it isn’t going to help his cause early on when NBA veterans decide to test the top pick’s toughness.

Most of the league’s best point guards are fearless, especially when they take to the paint (see: Russell Westbrook, Kemba Walker, etc.). Their attacks at the basket can often be described as organized chaos. The Lakers will never get that from Ball, at least based on what we saw from him at UCLA.

Is that really the characteristic of a franchise player who’s going to turn this team around? I would say no, but I’m not the guy calling the shots in Los Angeles.