Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball has seen his share of struggles breaking into the league, especially at the offensive side of the ball, mired in a shooting struggle that has lasted throughout his first 11 games as a pro.
Despite shooting over 50 percent through his freshman season at UCLA, Ball has found the NBA a completely different monster, shooting a ghastly 29.5 percent from the field, 23.1 percent from deep, and 53.8 percent from the free-throw line, making some wonder if these issues are correctable at some point during the season.
Yet the No. 2 overall selection wasn't worried about his early slump, claiming it is purely a mental block which has kept him from shooting the ball at a high rate.
“It's in my head, to be honest,” said Ball, according to ESPN's Jeff Goodman. “I know I can shoot the ball.”
Ball is now faced with bigger, stronger, faster athletes than he's faced throughout high school and college, and most importantly a dedicated scout team that is looking to nullify his strengths and exploit his glaring weaknesses.
Defenders have been shading the left side of his body constantly, knowing his shooting motion starts with the left shot pocket — a tactic that is leading Ball to take extra dribbles to create separation and rush shots in order to get them off safely.
Ball has only scored in double figures in two of his first 11 games as a pro, averaging 8.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game.
Follow Us
Subscribe