EL SEGUNDO – The Los Angeles Lakers are finally on the path to end their playoff drought this season with the team starting to show promise while led by superstar LeBron James.

Although the Lakers seem to be on the right track, they still have their issues and concerns about the young players they're developing. Lonzo Ball is one of those young players on the team that has gotten a lot of attention this year with the guard still struggling to find a balance on offense, but excelling on defense.

On Tuesday, Ball spoke to reporters after practice, and the main topic of discussion was his play on the defensive end of the basketball floor. Lonzo was asked whether he believes he's an underrated defender.

“I'm not sure,” Ball said. “Like I said, I just go out there and try to do the best that I can on whoever my assignment is for the night.”

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Ball has started to make a name for himself this season as a force to be reckoned with defensively. He can be very disruptive causing havoc in the backcourt for opposing guards while also having the versatility to guard multiple positions.

Along with making an impact defensively this season as arguably the Lakers' best defender, Ball has also made a point of it to prepare his body for the rigors of an 82-game season. Lonzo recently dealt with an ankle injury which he bounced back quickly from and he admits that would've been a much different situation last year.

“For sure,” Ball said.” Definitely. Last season I would've been out for a couple of weeks. Definitely paid off this summer being in the gym getting my body right.”

In 21 games this season, Ball is averaging 1.3 steals per game to go along with 8.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists.