Los Angeles Lakers: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: Lonzo Ball of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a portrati during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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Lonzo Ball earns All-Star nod

No, I’m not going to make the easy prediction and say Lonzo Ball wins the 2017-18 Rookie of the Year award. That’s just the coward’s way out, even if his fellow rookies only believe he’s second most likely to win the award.

I will, however, predict that Ball makes the All-Star game as a reserve. It’ll be a tedious task for the rookie point guard, who faces plenty of competition throughout the Western Conference. However, as we all know, popularity and playing for the Lakers can certainly help his cause.

In fact, that’s largely what it’ll come down to. With one of the most rabid fanbases in all of sports, the Lakers have little trouble getting support from their faithful following. Especially with Lonzo’s (and LaVar’s) recent rise to stardom, it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising to see fans from around the league throw a vote Ball’s way.

It’s not solely a popularity contest, though. Ball is more than capable of earning votes with his play, as we saw in NBA Summer League. While the young point guard is sure to battle through some growing pains in 2017-18, his elite passing skills and knack for making highlight reel plays will help him make a case for All-Star status as a rookie.

Staying alive in a race that includes players like Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul will be difficult. In the end, though, I see Ball sneaking into the 2017-18 All-Star game as a bench player.

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