When it comes to Los Angeles Lakers rookie rising star point guard Lonzo Ball, there will constantly be a magnifying glass on him throughout the season in terms of his shooting production.
All eyes will be on him on Wednesday night when the Lakers (8-12) host the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors at Staples Center.
Warriors superstar forward Kevin Durant, who said that he worked out with Ball over the summer, told ESPN reporter Chris Haynes that the rookie shouldn't have to change his shot. He cited an ex-teammate, Kevin Martin, as a prime example.
“I played with Kevin Martin,” Durant said. “Kevin Martin got his shot off and he shot it probably a little bit farther down from the hip than Lonzo does. If you're effective out there on the basketball court, you can have an unorthodox shot or movements or whatever. You can still be effective and play good. It's not just his shot, it's just the fact that he has to be confident in his shot, and I think that just comes with repetition.”
Even four-time NBA All-Star and Warriors point guard Steph Curry was insistent that people be patient with Ball.
“I've always said he's a great talent. I think he loves to play basketball, so he'll be able to fight through all that and have a great career. I hope you didn't judge me off my first 20 games in the league.”
Ball will get his chance to prove his worth against the juggernaut Warriors in a primetime matchup on Wednesday night. In 20 starts this year, Ball is averaging 8.7 points per game on a dismal 30.9 percent shooting from the field. However, the rookie is also averaging an impressive 7.3 rebounds 7.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game in 32.9 minutes of action per contest.
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