Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson didn't mince words Thursday when asked to predict how point guard Lonzo Ball will play in his second season in the NBA.
Johnson, arguably the best floor general in NBA history, says Ball has gotten stronger and smarter this offseason, and believes the UCLA product is due for a special sophomore campaign.
Magic Johnson says Lonzo Ball has gotten stronger, has shot very well when he was able to be on the court due to his knee this offseason and could have a “breakout season.” pic.twitter.com/XHtY7vl1Gs
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) September 20, 2018
Lonzo Ball played in 52 games during his rookie season and averaged 10.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft shot 36.0 percent from the field, 30.5 percent from beyond the arc. 45.1 percent from the free-throw line, and registered 13 double-doubles and two triple-doubles.
Ball has changed his shooting motion this summer and is garnering good reviews. The 20-year-old underwent surgery earlier in the offseason on a torn meniscus in his left knee. Veteran guard Rajon Rondo, who signed a one-year deal with the Lakers, will compete with Ball for the team's starting point guard spot in training camp.
Ball had a down year shooting the ball in 2017-18, but his high IQ of the game, strong work ethic and calm demeanor are things to build on. The best player on the planet, LeBron James, told Johnson during their free agency meeting at James' house he likes Ball's game and is excited to play with him.
All that said, LeBron did tell the Lakers on Saturday night that he likes Lonzo’s game and is excited to play with him.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 2, 2018
No one is expecting Lonzo Ball to average 20 points per game. That's not how he's built. He's an old school point guard, one who wants to get his teammates involved as much as possible. But now that James is on the squad, the ball is going to be in his hands more often, so Lonzo will have to be a reliable knockdown shooter when James collapses the paint on his drives to the basket.