What Does the Future Hold for Lonzo Ball and the Lakers?
When NBA commissioner Adam Silver went to the podium on June 22nd to announce the Laker’s 2nd pick in the 2017 NBA draft, it did not surprise many when the name he announced was Lonzo Ball. What may have shocked people was Lavar Ball’s statement following the draft, saying that the Lakers will make the playoffs next year. If you are familiar with Lavar Ball, then this statement is nothing out of the ordinary for a large personality such as himself, but if you actually view the statement as a legitimate basketball prediction, then you are forced to question; is Lonzo really that good?

Honestly, when Lavar Ball said this, my first reaction was not to give much thought to it. For a man who said that his son - who was playing at UCLA at the time- was already better than the reigning league MVP Stephen Curry without playing a single game in the NBA, his statement was nothing too bizarre. But now, after having Lonzo Ball be named MVP of the 2017 NBA Summer league, I find myself going back to that original prediction. And through all the talks about his passing, his leadership, and of course; his shoes, I have realized one thing; this kid is special. For a young guy coming out of his first year of college basketball and entering the NBA, this 19-year-old has the ability to make veteran players around him better. There is an unlimited amount of potential here. And just like Stephen Curry emphasized the presence of 3 point shooting in the league, Lonzo Ball can emphasize one of the most important aspects of basketball; passing. Also, with all the talks of points guards chasing stats and triple doubles, Lonzo Ball will present the NBA with a unique quality as point gaurd, with a main goal of leading the team.
Follwing the draft, Magic Johsnon had reffered to Lonzo Ball as “the new face of the Lakers”. However, since the draft on June 22nd, Chris Paul has teamed up with James Harden on the Rockets, Paul George has been traded to the Thunder and then there’s that large question about where Carmelo will be next year. All this had led me to my final take on where the Lakers will be next year; and I believe that the West just has too much star power for a 19-year-old to led a team to the playoffs. If this was any other season, I would be writing about how the Lakers have a legitimate chance having such thriving young talent, but this offseason we have seen the West deepen to a point where it seems fantastical for a 19-year old rookie as the face of a franchise to lead his team to the playoffs. The teams in the West are building to compete with a Warriors team that may be one of the best we have seen to date. So what does this means for a Lakers team that is looking to rebuild on the shoulders of a young player? It means it will take time, time that one offseason does not provide enough of.
But don’t get me wrong, the Lakers still have a very bright future with Lonzo Ball. He is a point guard that can establish a system in Los Angles that will attract star power to the Lakers. Now, it is almost confirmed that Paul George will be going to the Lakers next season. It would take a larger than life performance with the Thunder for this to be otherwise. And then there’s the possibility of Lebron James looking to team up with Paul George in Los Angles as well. While attending a Summer League game in Las Vegas, Lebron James had said “That kid can pass” when asked about Lonzo’s performance, Lonzo’s performance has impressed the veteran player. So now with the possibility of having Paul George, Lebron James and thriving young talent such as Lonzo Ball on the same team, the future seems bright for the Lakers. Who knows, in a few years we may see a Lakers team that might show parallels to the all time greats. But for now, Lavar may want to extend the timeline of his prediction.
