Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking franchise’s most valuable building blocks

2. Lonzo Ball

I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but Lonzo Ball is not No. 1 on this list. As great as he can be, I don’t know if he’s got the truly elite potential that the Lakers’ top-ranked building block possesses. Still, there’s no denying that the 2017 No. 2 overall pick can a dynamic talent if he hits his ceiling.

Right now, I’m just concerned about his ability to be an all-around threat. Sure, he’s got the passing down — albeit with more turnovers than you’d like to see. He even rebounds too well for a point guard. It’s the scoring/shooting that suggests he won’t develop into the superstar many assume he’s capable of becoming.

Before you lose your mind, let me say that I understand he’s just a rookie. Ball is going to get better, especially as he continues to adjust to the speed, athleticism and size of the NBA. Some work on that release would probably help, too. Either way, I would imagine he’ll be twice the player he is now in a year or two.

Still, I have to go with my gut here and say that Ball isn’t the most potential-laden talent on this roster. The upside is undeniable, but we’re starting to see some of the flaws in his game. They’re fixable for sure, but he’s got quite a ways to go to earn that draft status of his.

Call me a hater if you want — I call it being realistic. Ball hasn’t lived up to the hype so far, and the Lakers are finally realizing he needs more time. Evidence: Ball has sat the entire fourth quarter in Los Angeles’ last two games.