Los Angeles Lakers: The pros and cons of drafting Lonzo Ball
By Jason Oliver
Pro No. 1: Ball is an exceptional passer and playmaker
Ball’s addition to the current Lakers roster would open up a whole new style of play for head coach Luke Walton.
With the D’Angelo Russell experience not quite living up to expectations, Walton had him spend some time at shooting guard to end the season — perhaps in preparation for Ball.
A Ball/Russell backcourt would be a dream for Walton, who regularly preaches the idea of the extra pass and even set the desired minimum of 300 passes per game.
With his vision, instinct and willingness to make the pass, Ball is considered the best playmaking prospect in the draft. He ran 75 percent of his pick-and-roll plays as a passer, accumulating 7.6 assists per game in the process.
It's not just highlights. He makes the simple passes; the pass that leads to a hockey assist etc. He knows where everyone is and is going.
— Reed (@Reed_nba) May 29, 2017
ESPN‘s Chad Ford described Ball’s passing as “otherworldly,” adding:
"“His ability to make plays for others stands out as his strongest attribute for scouts.”"
Ball’s addition to the young Lakers roster would instantly make them better. If the likes of Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle can get to the right places on the floor to score, Ball will find them.