The learning curve of NBA rookies in the pro league varies, but all of them are expected to experience the growing pains of finding their identity in the best play-for-pay basketball organization in the world.

For Los Angeles Lakers newcomer Lonzo Ball, he’s still in the process of acclimating, but he’s acting more mature than what his length of stay in the NBA suggests.

During the Lakers’ 91-86 road loss to the Utah Jazz on Saturday, Ball churned out modest numbers of nine points, four assists, and two rebounds — none of which looked something produced by a second overall pick. Following the contest, Ball expressed his frustration of the loss and told reporters, including Bill Oram of the Orange County Register, that the Lakers wouldn’t have taken a defeat if it weren’t for a particular set of errors on his part that be believed shifted the momentum towards Utah’s favor.

“Put this loss on me,” Ball said. “If you think about it, that kind of changed the course of the game. We were coming back. Two dumb plays by me and they got up.”

Ball was referring to his failed attempt at boxing out fellow rookie and Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell on a rebound play that led to the latter’s tip-in dunk. Then on the following play, Ball had his pass intercepted by Joe Johnson, who then resulted to Mitchell sinking a three-pointer.

Ball, who is averaging 10.0 points, 7.7 assists, and 7.5 rebounds, will have to remember the lessons he learned from the loss to Utah as he and the Lakers prepare for a tilt with the Detroit Pistons this coming Tuesday.