The Los Angeles Lakers are set to take the court on Monday night for the Las Vegas Summer League Final against the Portland Trail Blazers.
However, the Lakers have ruled out rookie point guard Lonzo Ball from the game due to a mild calf strain that he suffered in the semifinal game against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday.
Lonzo Ball is out for the SL Final tonight due to the mild calf strain in his right leg that he suffered against Dallas last night.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) July 17, 2017
The move was expected given how little importance there is on Summer League play despite the Lakers reaching the championship game. There is also no logical reason to risk him suffering a more significant injury that could affect his availability for his rookie campaign.
That said, Ball has been quite impressive in Summer League as one of the Lakers' driving forces that have put the team in the position of playing in the title game. In six games played, the 19-year-old averaged 16.3 points, 9.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per contest. This included recording a pair of triple-doubles along with a 36-point performance.
Ball has shown more than enough that he has the potential to become the face of the franchise in the near future. In this short period of time, he has created a large sense of optimism in and around the organization about what may lie ahead. His pass-first style of play along with unique passing ability could set the stage for what could be an exciting season in Lakerland.
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