The Los Angeles Lakers have just skyrocketed from re-building team to title contender with the addition of one man, whose name I need not even say. But in an attempt to build around LeBron, the Lakers are at risk of making a horrible mistake. Last year I wrote an article about how Lonzo Ball was underrated (and happened to predict LABron), and not much has changed since then. Lonzo needs to remain a Laker. Forget LaVar, LiAngelo, and LaMelo. This is about what Lonzo brings to the table that other point guards don’t.
Defense
Lonzo Ball’s defense was incredibly underrated last season. It was possibly his greatest benefit to the Lakers. Let’s compare his defensive numbers to All-Defensive 2nd Teamer Jimmy Butler. Butler averaged 2 steals and 0.4 blocks per game. Lonzo averaged 1.7 steals and 0.8 blocks (exceptional for a point guard) per game. Diving into advanced stats, Butler’s defensive win share count totaled 1.8, while Lonzo’s stood at 2.0, and he played seven fewer games. Finally, Butler’s Defensive Box Plus-Minus was a mere 0.1, which Lonzo easily surpassed with a score of 2.5.
Now, the argument can be made that Butler didn’t deserve his spot on the All-Defensive team, but it can’t be denied that Lonzo Ball is easily a plus defender in the NBA.
Court Vision
Passing has always been Lonzo’s most obvious strength. He put up gaudy assist numbers in high school and college, and they’ve translated rather well to the NBA. He averaged 7.2 assists and only 2.6 turnovers in his rookie year, which is a better ratio than a healthy John Wall. Lonzo’s great passing makes his teammates’ job that much easier, and with the tutelage of Rajon Rondo, LeBron James, and the great Javale McGee, Lonzo only stands to improve his already strong playmaking.
Length
His combination of height and wingspan as a point guard is very rare. He stands at 6’6″ and has a 6’9″ wingspan, which makes him switchable with shooting guards and even small forwards. This is extremely valuable in the new screen-heavy NBA. His wingspan and height also serve to give him easier chances to create open looks for himself, even to see over the defense. As a guard with wing size, Lonzo holds a unique strength that the Lakers should hold on to.
Rebounding
Lonzo also rebounds well for a point guard, pulling down 6.9 per game. A point guard that can rebound is actually important, as they can immediately push the ball and start a fast break. This is what Westbrook likes to do (that’s why his teammates sometimes let him grab the board), and it’s very effective. Great rebounding, combined with his playmaking prowess shown above, lets Lonzo run wild in transition. Imagine LeBron running down the court alongside him… that’s nightmare fuel for any defender.
Potential
Lonzo’s potential is possibly the greatest reason for the Lakers to keep him. If he can continue to improve on offense, which seems likely, he’ll immediately become a two-way star. If Lonzo improves on defense, he can become a lockdown defender, and if he improves on both, he can turn into a dominant force in the NBA. With a mentor as great as LeBron, the odds favor Lonzo to realize his potential and become a star. The Lakers should know better than to trade him.
Agree? Disagree? Give me a shout @PerSourcesSam and we’ll discuss why JaVale McGee makes the Lakers legitimate title contenders!