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It is an understatement that the hype of Lonzo Ball has superseded any previous rookie of the past decade. Right from the initial media day frenzy, to the Summer League sold-out crowd in Las Vegas, to the huge throng of people at Big Baller Brand pop-up events, Lonzo Ball has taken the NBA by storm.
The craze only gets better with the fuel of Magic Johnson's fanfare compliments of the prodigy, whom he has promised to have the potential to become a stellar point guard like Magic Johnson himself. In addition, having a larger-than-life father in Lavar Ball is like adding gunpowder to a bonfire, the hype just keeps getting more bombastic.
The arrival of Lonzo Ball is a welcoming reprieve for Lakers Nation, who's fans have been starved of winning ever since Kobe Bryant's first major injury. It is understandable that everyone in Laker's camp is pouring their hopes and expectations onto this young 20-year old product from UCLA Bruins.
Some pundits did a statistical comparison between Lonzo Ball and Jason Kidd in their initial games in the NBA, showing the uncanny resemblance in numbers, thereby concluding that the trajectory of Lonzo's career is likely to be nothing short of a superstar. Lonzo has broken a few proud records in his short time in the NBA, being the first rookie to win the Summer League title with the Summer League MVP honors as well as to be the youngest player to ever clock a triple double in an NBA game.
Lakers team mates could not stop raving about Lonzo Ball's court vision and ability to pass the ball. Coach Luke Walton has described Lonzo as being key to changing the culture of ball movement in the Lakers team. The list of compliments and support from all areas just keeps going on and on.
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However, on the realistic side, Lonzo is still a rookie and needs time to grow and develop, just like all rookies do. Whether or not he is indeed capable of filling in Kobe's shoes remains to be seen. Kobe entered the league with a lot of hype earlier in high school. He managed a meagre 7.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.3 blocks in his rookie season. If you take the instant snapshot after just 16 games this season, Lonzo Ball's statsheet looks way prettier at 8.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 0.9 blocks. It is noteworthy that Kobe entered the league at 18 years old while Lonzo is currently a 20 year old rookie. Thus, it is quite a stretch for any real comparison to be made right now.
There were rookie players in the past who had superb rookie season and still falter into decline. Just take a look at recent example of Micheal Carter Williams. He was selected 11th by the Philadelphia 76ers and won the Rookie of the Year 2013-14 with impressive numbers of 16.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.9 steals and 0.6 blocks. Now in 2017, Michael Carter Williams is in Chicago Bulls and struggling to find a good role for meaningful minutes. There were also rookies who had quiet rookie seasons but mature into superstars over the years. Giannis Antetokounmpo was selected 15th, also in 2013. His rookie numbers were average with 6.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.8 blocks. Pretty lackluster compared to the Williams. Fast forward to 2017, Giannis is in talks for MVP with his impressive performance.
The NBA is filled with volatile and flamboyant development each season so nothing is impossible. Ability-wise, Lonzo may look poised to develop into a Laker star, but there is this dude called Kyle Kuzma, drafted at 27th but raved to be the steal of draft night. Kyle has been phenomenal at the offensive end and is selfless in whatever assignment coach Luke throws at him. Though no where near the killer instincts of Kobe, this young man exudes the competitive energy that is more alike Kobe than Lonzo's calm approach. It is a good problem for the Lakers to have, with two young rookies that show potential. For all we know, it might be a blessing to have multiple stars to execute the team-oriented system that Luke Walton wants the Lakers to play in. If anything else, we know that the Lakers are in a much better place moving forward.
