The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the division rival L.A. Clippers in convincing fashion on Thursday night at the Staples Center. The young squad led by rookie Lonzo Ball was blown out by Blake Griffin and company leading many to speculate whether the Lakers are in for another long and disappointing season.
After the game concluded, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers sympathized with Ball following a fairly uneventful NBA debut and believes the UCLA product is a star in the making.
“I don't know if I would want my first game to be against Patrick Beverley, for anybody,” Rivers said of Ball. “You just see all of the good things. He is going to be a heck of a player, tonight was one night, he has got 81 more. He is going to be heck of a player.”
Ball played 29 minutes in his debut in purple and gold after head coach Luke Walton thought he'd only have him on the floor for 25. The 19-year-old finished with nine rebounds, four assists, and three points as the Lakers dropped their first game of the season to the Clippers, 108-92.
The highly-touted rookie won't have much time to reflect on his debut as the Lakers will get right back to work on Friday against another division rival in the Phoenix Suns. Ball and company will be on the road for the second game of a back-to-back before flying back to Los Angeles for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Follow Us
Subscribe