Los Angeles Lakers rookie sensation Lonzo Ball is having a tough time adjusting offensively against NBA talent. While there is no question that Ball belongs in the league, opposing point guards have been happy to give him a challenge.
Some players have specifically stated that they make it a point to compete hard against Ball due to comments made by LaVar Ball.
The young Ball has managed to post one of the worst field goal percentages in the shot clock era of basketball, garnering criticism from Inside the NBA analyst Charles Barkley.
Undeniably as good, Ball's passing game has not suffered and he has managed to give teammates quick and precise outlet passes and a few dazzling dimes as well.
Milwaukee Bucks coach Jason Kidd was asked his thoughts on the comparisons of his younger self to Ball and similar their style of play is. Kidd replied in a cautious manner.
It's still early in his career, and it's a stretch. He has to understand what it means to play hard and what it means to win, and how to win at the highest level. It takes time, and hopefully in three years maybe there is a better comparison, but right now it is a stretch and he has a ways to go.
Ironically in many ways, Ball's game mirrors Kidd's early career numbers wise. During the first 12 games of both point guards careers, their stats are nearly identical in shooting, rebounding, steals and turnovers.
Kidd: 34.5 fg%, 13.8 3pt%, 9.6 ppg, 6.4 reb, 2.2 stl, 2.4 turnovers
Ball: 29.2 fg%, 22 3pt%, 8.9 ppg, 6.4 reb, 1.2 stl, 2.5 turnovers
Each players team situation is a bit different, but Kidd was a better free throw shooter where Ball is a better shot blocker. Both players had at least one solid performance game within the same time frame and both players will be known as better shooters than when they began when it's said and done.
In short, Ball is having early struggles but he's not far off from where some of the greats started at the same stage.
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