Los Angeles Lakers: Early predictions for the 2018-19 starting lineup

Point Guard: Lonzo Ball

Was there really any other option here? Lonzo Ball is the future of this Lakers team, and I don’t see any reason why Magic Johnson would turn around and trade or bench him. The only reason he isn’t starting come October is if he’s hurt.

While I wouldn’t say that Ball lived up to the hyperbolic hype as a rookie, he certainly gave fans something to look forward to. He was a terrific passer (7.2 assists per game), surprisingly dominant defender (as this nice breakdown by Silver Screen and Roll’s Christian Rivas illustrates) and gave us a few glimpses of his scoring potential as well. If he can learn to be more aggressive and confident on offense, he could theoretically develop into a superstar in time.

For now, though, let’s focus on the small things. Ball should hopefully spend this offseason getting his mind straight — don’t be afraid to be the go-to threat. Yes, the Lakers have plenty of other scoring options on the roster. That, however, doesn’t mean that Ball should always be looking for the assist. There were times when the Lakers needed him to take over games, and he didn’t.

Overall, it was a year to be proud of for Ball. Luke Walton would seem to agree (via Lakers.com):

"“He’s an incredible young man. He’s got more people judging him and more pressure and stress than most rookies who have ever come in this league… He deserves a lot of credit for the way he handled himself in his first year in the NBA.”"

Considering all of the pressure and off-court nonsense he endured, I’d say Lonzo killed it. There’s absolutely room for growth, but the Lakers have to be happy with what they saw from their young point guard.

The only direction to go from here is up.