Lonzo Ball's first season in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers was anything but ideal. Although he showed signs of brilliance on the basketball court from time to time, one of his toughest challenges was staying healthy.

Heading into this past summer, Ball was determined to change a few things. Along with making tweaks to his shooting form, Ball set out to improve his overall strength and ability to finish at the rim through contact. The second-year guard is already seeing a big difference on that end of things after putting in the work over the last few months.

“I'm definitely a lot stronger than I was last year,” Ball said after Thursday's practice. “It's just easier going to the paint. Checking people.”

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the New York Knicks during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James back on the court after knee surgeryRichard Pereira ·
Nike Kobe 5 Year of the Mamba, Kobe Bryant, Nike, Nike Kobe 5
Nike Kobe 5 ‘Year of the Mamba’ updated lookDominik Zawartko ·
Myles Turner playing for the Pacers. Pacers logo in background
Ranking 3 best Myles Turner free-agency destinations if he leaves PacersBailey Bassett ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) looks on during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers in game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Thunder’s Alex Caruso clowns angry Lakers fans after throwing bubble shadeBenedetto Vitale ·
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who was heckled by New York fans outside Fanatics Fest.
LeBron James savagely heckled by haters at Fanatics FestAndrew Korpan ·
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the first quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
LeBron James’ NSFW reaction to Tyrese Haliburton’s brutal injuryDavid Yapkowitz ·

Despite being cleared for contact in practice, Ball will likely be watching from the bench in the team's preseason opener on Sunday. The Lakers will face the Denver Nuggets in San Diego this weekend with LeBron James and the new-look roster set to make its debut, but head coach Luke Walton made it clear on Thursday that he's not expected to play.

Ball's health and development will be hot topic of discussion throughout his sophomore campaign with the Lakers brass having high hopes for the former lottery pick. The front office is confident he's a star in the making with the full backing of both Walton and their new superstar in LeBron.

However, it remains to be seen whether his injury issues will linger throughout his second year or during his NBA career for that matter.