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.”

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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.