ANAHEIM – The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to see second-year point guard Lonzo Ball on the basketball floor during the preseason. Four of the six games are in the books for the storied franchise with the 21-year-old yet to make his return.
Although Ball wasn't on the floor for the team's loss to the L.A. Clippers on Saturday night at the Honda Center, his status for the rest of the preseason was still a hot topic of discussion. The Lakers haven't ruled Ball for Wednesday's game in Las Vegas against the Golden State Warriors, but there's still a chance the team holds him out until the season opener on Oct. 18.
After Saturday's game, Rajon Rondo gave his teammate some high praise about his defensive capabilities when asked about his young guard's imminent return to the floor.
“He can switch one through four,” Rondo said of Ball. “He's bulked up this summer. His length is a big factor as well. Sky is the limit defensively as well.”
During his rookie campaign with the Lakers, Ball made an impression on that side of the floor while struggling offensively. The UCLA product emerged as one of the team's best defensive players and will be a welcome addition once he returns.
Along with his defensive prowess, Ball's rebounding ability has also stood out to Rondo as he talked about the similarities between to the two players.
“He's one of the best rebounding point guards in our game,” Rondo said. “I used to be. Maybe here and there. I'm not as athletic as he is. I'm not as tall as he is. I'm dark-skinned, he's light-skinned. We got a couple similarities.”
Needless to say, the Lakers are anxious to get their young star healthy and back on the floor. Los Angeles will take on the Warriors in consecutive games next week to finish their preseason campaign.
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