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

A lack of perimeter defense

When people talk about Ball as a prospect, his length is often mentioned one of his big strengths. He’s got terrific height for a point guard, and offers a strong wingspan (6’7″) for the position. Unfortunately, it doesn’t help him on defense as much as you’d think.

Overall, the UCLA product isn’t a great defender. Sure, he does a good job of picking up steals and notching the occasional block against shorter guards. However, the lack of physicality and elite athleticism certainly hurt him when it comes to slowing down opposing point guards. It’s even worse when he’s matched up against quicker, more agile guards.

Just ask De’Aaron Fox, who put on a clinic against Ball during the 2017 NCAA Tournament. Using his quickness, ball handling and athleticism, he went off to the tune of 39 points. It was an offensive onslaught from the Kentucky point man who helped pinpoint a glaring weakness in Ball’s game. Trust me when I say that isn’t going to cut it at the next level.

Related Story: 5 potential landing spots for D'Angelo Russell

In today’s NBA, the point guard reigns supreme. All of the top contenders have star point guards–just look at the four remaining playoff teams. Part of being a star point guard, though, is keeping the other star point guards at bay. Right now, I don’t think Ball is ready to handle that responsibility.

The Lakers boasted one of the worst defenses in the NBA in 2016-17. Inserting Ball into that equation wouldn’t make things much better. Unless he suddenly toughens up and starts showing more effort/instincts on the defensive end, Los Angeles shouldn’t be sold on him as the No. 2 pick.