On Wednesday night, rookie Lonzo Ball will go head-to-head with arguably the fastest player in the league. The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Washington Wizards with the main storyline centered around the matchup between Ball and Wall.
After practice on Tuesday, Ball, as expected, fielded questions about Wall and recent comments made by Marcin Gortat. The veteran center claims Wall will “torture” the rookie on Wednesday night, but those comments don't appear to bother the 19-year-old.
With Wall widely considered to be the fastest player in the league, Ball was asked who is the fastest point guard he's ever faced. The former UCLA star didn't hesitate to give the Sacramento Kings' De'Aaron Fox that distinction.
“Fastest point guard? Probably D-Fox,” Ball said.
Fox famously gave Ball fits during their Sweet Sixteen matchup in the NCAA Tournament in his last game as a Bruin. The Kentucky product scored 39 points on Ball and eliminated UCLA in an impressive performance leading the Wildcats to the Elite Eight.
Although Fox currently sits atop Ball's list of fastest opposing point guards he's faced, that may very well change after Wednesday's game at the Staples Center. Not only is Wall in his prime and hitting his stride at 27 like many stars in the NBA seem to do; he's also played well to start the season as he's averaging 24.3 points and 10.0 assists per game coming into this matchup with the Lakers.
Ball will undoubtedly have his work cut out for him with Wall coming to Los Angeles. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope may get the defensive assignment, but the rookie will have to deal with the perennial All-Star on the other end. The face of the Wizards is also considered one of the best two-way players in the league and may be out to make an example of Ball if Gortat's comments are coming directly from the source.
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