Los Angeles Lakers: Top 20 plays of the 2018-19 NBA season

By Tony Pesta | Apr 11, 2019

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 22: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on March 22, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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(Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images) /

8. Lonzo Ball drills the clutch step-back vs. Denver Nuggets

It’s no secret that Lonzo Ball is heavily criticized for his jump shot and overall scoring abilities. He has never been an elite scorer and has been the victim of some embarrassing misses and even airballs. However, when the game is on the line, Zo is ready to shine.

This game came early in the season after a slow 1-3 start for the Lakers. The team was desperate to rack up a few wins and a showdown against the Denver Nuggets was the perfect time to prove themselves.

With three minutes remaining in the game, the Lakers held a two-point lead. Ball had started the game shooting 0-for-4 from the field, but had since hit four of his last five attempts. The Lakers had the ball and despite LeBron James being the ideal closer, Lonzo was getting ready to take the big-time shot.

As the shot clock began to wind down, Ball had the slow-footed Nikola Jokic guarding him on the perimeter. Zo calmly hit Jokic with a series of hesitation moves then proceeded to step back behind the 3-point line and drill the dagger shot. The Lakers went on to win the game and Zo finished with 12 points, eight assists, six rebounds and five steals.

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