2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 4 power rankings

10. Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers

Last week: No. 5 (↓5)

Los Angeles Lakers point man Lonzo Ball has had a whale of a time adjusting to the NBA. He’s producing, but not at the All-Star level that was predicted upon his arrival.

Two words: Shooting slump. That’s the best way to describe Lonzo’s fall in this week’s Rookie of the Year power rankings. Ball shot 23.6 percent from the field and 13.0 percent from 3-point range as the Lakers went 2-2 on the week.

He still averaged 8.5 points, 7.5 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals in those four contests, but his current shooting slump is the biggest issue going forward.

Ball was 3-of-13 from the field and 1-for-8 from 3-point range against the Memphis Grizzlies this past Sunday night. The Lakers won the game 107-102 as he finished with nine points, nine assists and five rebounds, but it was arguably the worst shooting night of his young career.

Ball was 1-for-7 (14.3 percent) from 3-point land for the Lakers on Thursday night to the Washington Wizards as well, as they fell 111-95. He’s made a 3-pointer in his last three games but he’s also shooting 15.0 percent from behind the arc in the same span.

His defense isn’t so much the issue as is his scoring ability. We’ll see if he can adjust or he could find himself on the outside looking in for future power rankings.