Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players destined for monster seasons in 2017-18

Lonzo Ball, PG

If Lonzo Ball’s rookie season looks anything like his NBA Summer League performance, this is going to be a fun year to watch the Lakers play. It was constant fireworks for the No. 2 pick in his first NBA action, and I’d expect nothing short of the same during the regular season.

Sure, there are going to be some hiccups for Ball. He’s a rookie, so it isn’t going to be smooth sailing throughout his rookie campaign. In the end, though, it will be a monstrous season for one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.

Based on what we saw during Summer League, I don’t see Ball struggling to put up big numbers in 2017-18. Especially as the unquestioned starting point guard, he’ll get every opportunity to lead the offense and be an all-around playmaker. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up finishing in the top five in assists per game.

More than anything, though, Ball is changing the culture of this franchise. After four straight losing seasons, the Lakers are looking like a team on the rise. The former Bruin quickly instilled a sense of confidence and swagger in the Summer League lineup. Chances are he’ll do the same for the rest of the starters when the regular season tips off.

Will Ball be a All-Star or make the All-NBA team? I wouldn’t get my hopes too high. Yet, the All-Rookie team isn’t out of the question. Expect Ball to thrive as the Lakers’ new face of the franchise, especially with an intriguing mix of options around him to create opportunities for.

Rookies rarely make an overwhelming impact, especially at 19-20 years of age. In the case of Ball, though, he’ll be an exception to the rule.