Lonzo Ball’s introduction to the NBA has been anything but perfect. Despite showcasing some of the skills he was touted for – namely his rebounding and passing – Ball has been unable to translate his shot into the Association.
Through the first stretch of the season, Ball is shooting 29.5 percent from the field, 23.1 percent from three, and 53.8 percent from the free throw line. It’s been a historically awful shooting display for the rookie as he struggles to adjust to the pros.
Ball’s shooting has, of course, led to further discussion of his shooting motion, an unorthodox one that’s been a topic of conversation since his UCLA days and was a bit of a red flag in the pre-draft process despite Lonzo’s phenomenal shooting numbers in college.
Ball, however, does not believe anything has to change with his motion. In fact, according to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman, the rookie point guard seems to think it’s a purely mental issue, as he said after Wednesday’s loss to the Celtics:
“It’s in my head, to be honest. I know I can shoot the ball.”
Lonzo’s transition hasn’t been easy. He’s playing point guard in the NBA against some of the best players the league has to offer, has been hyped beyond belief by his father and the Lakers organization, and is playing heavy minutes due to the absence of a capable backup point guard on the roster.
While Ball’s shooting is surely a point of concern, for now, it’s promising to see that Ball thinks it’s more of an issue with regaining confidence rather than something mechanical. There’s still more than enough time for Lonzo to turn things around.
One thought