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The Charlotte Hornets vs. the Los Angeles Lakers is normally just another game on the schedule for both teams, but this upcoming matchup has a little more meaning to it. It will be LaMelo Ball's first matchup against LeBron James in his career.
For most young players, playing against LeBron is the highlight of their rookie year, but that does not seem to be the case for Ball. He is “not really” excited about facing James and will treat this showdown like any other game. Ball seems to be oozing with confidence and is not phased by any opponent, but here are a few things Ball needs to do in his first matchup with The King.
Win the game
Whenever a player steps out on the court, they all have the goal to win the game. Since it is just another game on the schedule for LaMelo Ball, that goal remains the same. The Hornets are coming off a blowout loss against the Denver Nuggets and could use a win against the defending champions.
“There should be some extra juice when you get a chance to play against the Lakers,” Hornets head coach James Borrego said.
Borrego is hoping his team plays a lot better on the second night of a back-to-back, and Ball will have to make a major contribution for them to get them out of LA with a win.
Elevate his teammates
LaMelo Ball has been able to elevate his teammates throughout the course of the season. A major reason the Hornets have been able to vie for a playoff spot is because of Ball's intangibles on the floor.
However, Ball could struggle to pour out the same kind of production against arguably the best defense in the NBA. It will not be impossible for him to get in a rhythm and set up his teammates, but it will be challenging because we know the Lakers will throw multiple bodies at him. Fortunately for the Hornets, Anthony Davis is still sidelined for another few weeks, so maybe they will be able to find some gaps in the defense.
As long as LaMelo continues to make the right play, the ball should find the bottom of the net.
Mirror The King
LaMelo Ball indeed idolizes his father, LaVar, more than any NBA player, but if he plays like LeBron James against the Lakers, we will be in for a treat. James might be the best all-around player ever and can impact the game in every aspect, and Ball seems to have the ability to do the same exact thing. His averages as a starter (19.5 points, 6.4 assists, 5.9 rebounds) are very similar to James' rookie year stats. Ball seems to be on the right path to have a massive impact over the course os his career. We expect James to control the pace for LA throughout the game, and it would be best for Ball to do the same.
At the end of the day, Ball is right that it is just another regular-season game. Maybe we should not see it as anything more than that. However, we all know fans and media are going to hype this game up regardless of what anyone says. Everyone should make sure they tune in to watch one of the game's greatest ever vs. a young player who could be on the right path to becoming a perennial All-Star.
