Los Angeles Lakers: 3 bold predictions for Lonzo Ball’s rookie season

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Lonzo Ball
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Lonzo Ball /
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Los Angeles Lakers
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Lonzo Ball wins 2017-18 Rookie of the Year

If you’re leading the league in assists as a rookie, chances are you’re going to be line for some serious hardware. While the MVP award is nowhere near an option, the 2017-18 Rookie of the Year award seems well within reach for Ball.

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What’s helping his cause is the fact that he could have arguably the largest role of any rookie. Most of the top picks are expected to be starters or role players, whereas Ball looks to be the go-to guy in Los Angeles. There will be fierce competition for the honor, but the former Bruin seems to have as good of a shot as any.

So let’s just go ahead and give it to him.

As if being the assist leader isn’t enough, Ball is sure to make an impact in other areas as well. We saw during Summer League that he can go off in the scoring department, especially when his teammates aren’t producing offensively. He showed a knack for playing the passing lanes, and can even dominate the boards when needed.

What I truly believe gives him the edge, though, is that killer instinct. We saw it during his 36-point performance against the Philadelphia 76ers. The game got tough, and Ball took his game to a new level. When the Lakers needed him to be a star, he shined brighter than any player on the court. That’s what’s going to win him the 2017-18 Rookie of the Year award.

Next: 3 Lakers destined for monster 2017-18 seasons

You may not like Ball, or maybe you don’t like his father. No matter what your beef may be with the kid, it’s undeniable that he’s a rising star in the basketball world. It’s going to be a huge rookie season for him, especially if even one of these predictions comes true.