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The NBA offseason has been a frenzy over the past week. Trades and swirling rumors around the league has shocked the basketball world in a period where it is normally, very quiet. It’s been honestly, more entertaining to follow than the NBA Playoffs this season.
The 2017 NBA Draft hosted in Brooklyn was no shortage of attention as Big Baller Brand owner LaVar Ball was the proudest father alive when the Los Angeles Lakers took his son Lonzo Ball with the #2 overall pick. He literally spoke it into existence. It is official, LaVar is a guru.
Lonzo Ball has been an intriguing prospect the minute the Lakers found out on May 16th that they were going to keep their precious #2 draft pick. Lonzo Ball has been praised by scouts and coaches alike to be one of the best passers the NCAA has seen in some time. The ex-Bruins point guard recorded 254 assists as a freshman, breaking both UCLA’s assist record and Gary Payton’s PAC-12 record that stood unbeaten for 30 years.
Zo’s ability to lead and make other players better is what everyone has been raving about. The unselfishness on the floor is infectious as I found out, he didn’t even lead UCLA in scoring. UCLA Bruins had a 15-17 record in the 2015-2016 season. That all changed when Lonzo Ball took the Pac-12 by storm as he led UCLA to an impressive 31-5 record in his freshman season. Zo’s priority was to find his teammates, and put them in positions where they could excel.
Listed at 6’6, Zo can see above opposing point guards to make the correct pass. He is most dangerous on the transition where he makes great reads, whether if it’s an outlet pass, or running the fast break to find the open man. Ball’s fundamental skills to keep his eyes locked on his teammates fits ideally with the modern NBA’s emphasis on pace, three-point shooting and dunks. Ball movement, with a flair, is the best product the NBA can offer.
The pride of Chino Hills isn’t going to break down defenders like a Kyrie Irving, nor is he going to hit insane 3-pointers like Steph Curry. Hell, he’s not even close to the athleticism of the John Walls and Russell Westbrook.
What he is, is a floor general. A leader on a team that focuses on making his teammates better. The Lakers was willing to trade away their former #2 pick, D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets, based on the fact they believed in their future with Lonzo.
Most would agree talent triumphs in the NBA. Skill-wise, Lonzo Ball might not be as talented as overall #1 pick Markelle Fultz. But Lonzo has a gift. A gift to to make a ball club run with him. A gift to want to make the necessary and correct play to ensure victory. A truly unselfish style of basketball. The lead by example qualities of a leader.
Lakers hope to call him Floor General.
No, he won't be as good as Magic Johnson like his dad saids. But the Los Angeles Lakers found their guy to start a blueprint. They found a guy that they think can bring Showtime 2.0 back to Los Angeles.
Winning has not been a word you hear much if you’re a Lakers fan for the past few seasons. Today, they drafted a teenager that is truly selfless, and wants to play the correct way for the team to win. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka called Lonzo Ball “a transcendent talent” and that’s all Lakers fans wish to hear. I'm not convinced Lonzo Ball is the Lakers savior. However, I do believe he is an integral piece to the Lakers success.
"I'm truly blessed to be able to play for my hometown," Lonzo said, "and I can't wait to get on the court."
The Ball era has started in Los Angeles. The Lakers finally got their guy.
Congratulations, Lonzo. Welcome home.
Follow us @otgbasketball and @fungo24 for everything NBA during this off season. We are going to be covering free agency, signings, trades, off season previews for NBA teams, and much more!