Lonzo Ball’s rookie season was up-and-down and divisive. The UCLA product showed some of the skills that made him one of the most hyped prospects in years but struggled in other areas.
Perhaps the most talked-about aspect of Ball’s game was his shooting, something discussed widely even before he was selected with the second overall pick. Ball’s shooting form, despite his shooting at an elite level in his one year at UCLA, was enough to make many question his ceiling.
Ball struggled with his shooting in the NBA for much of the season, with one extended hot streak in the middle salvaging his numbers. The rookie shot 30.5 percent from behind the arc on nearly six attempts per game.
Despite the shooting struggles, Ball did not sound eager to change his form at his exit interview on Thursday. On Friday, head coach Luke Walton echoed those sentiments, saying that Ball showed enough to tell him that he would become a good shooter in the NBA with more consistency.
More Luke on Lonzo’s shot: “Changing the form … I wouldn’t recommend that.” Thinks he showed that he can make shots (as he did at UCLA and high school) and just needs to get stronger, more consistent, etc.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 13, 2018
Walton also spoke about Ball’s poise and composure throughout the season:
Luke on Lonzo 1/2: “He’s an incredible young man. He has more people judging him, more pressure and stress than most rookies that have ever come through this league … there’s so much on his plate and he’s playing the hardest position for the biggest organization.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 13, 2018
Luke on Lonzo 2/2: "For a rookie, he did it all with a smile on his face. He was always a joy to work with. I think he deserves a lot of credit for how he handled himself as a man."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 13, 2018
This summer will be a huge one for Ball who showed he had the ability to be an impactful NBA player. But without consistent scoring ability, the 20-year-old’s ceiling is limited. Luke Walton is confident that issue will be fixed.
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