Los Angeles Lakers: 5 reasons they will make the playoffs in 2017-18

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 10: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on with Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers during the preseason game against the Utah Jazz on October 10, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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1. Lonzo Ball is now wearing a Lakers jersey

The man, the myth, the legend is now wearing purple and gold. One of the most highly anticipated college players in years, Lonzo Ball was selected second overall by his hometown Lakers. He makes his regular season debut Thursday, Oct. 19 at home under the lights of the Staples Center.

It seems probable that the hype has grown larger than the player, but it may not have been by much. After years of playing an up-tempo, NBA-style offense under his father LaVar Ball, Lonzo spent one season at UCLA and completely changed their culture. He seems to be doing something similar on the Lakers.

Ball is a pass-first point guard, not in a scared-to-shoot way but rather by a complete embrace of an egalitarian offense. If a player is open, he is getting the ball, no matter the intricacy of the pass needed to get the ball to him. Teammates have to run the floor now, because if they do they will be rewarded with the ball and a chance to score.

The Golden State Warriors are successful for a number of reasons, but one of them is a culture of inclusion fostered by Stephen Curry and head coach Steve Kerr. With former Kerr disciple Luke Walton overseeing Ball in L.A. the same culture can grow for the Lakers.

Next: Golden State Warriors: 5 keys to repeating in 2017-18

Lonzo Ball still has to prove himself once the games matter, but it certainly looks like he will be a special player. He not only makes the team better by adding him to the lineup, but he makes the team better by improving everyone he plays with. That will be key as the Los Angeles Lakers make their run to the playoffs this spring.

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