2017 NBA Draft: 3 reasons Los Angeles Lakers must be wary of Lonzo Ball
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.
More from Los Angeles Lakers
- NBA Trades: The Lakers bolster their frontcourt in this deal with the Pacers
- A surprise LeBron ranking should raise alarm bells for the Lakers
- Surprising Austin Reaves contract detail confirms Lakers got him for a steal
- Instant Grades for the Lakers’ unprecedented Anthony Davis extension
- Report: Lakers have big plans for recent top-10 pick amid roster shakeup
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.