Despite the overwhelming amount of criticism hurled his way and inconsistency with his shot, Los Angeles Lakers rookie point guard Lonzo Ball continues to have a very solid rookie season in 2017-18.

Lakers head coach simply cannot wait to see what is next in store for Ball, according to a tweet from Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet before last night's 103-93 home win over the Dallas Mavericks.

“Luke Walton was asked about how he’d evaluate Lonzo Ball’s rookie year based on his expectations (which were high), and said he’s absolutely ‘thrilled.' Loves how @ZO2_ plays, how he’s handled everything on and off court. Couldn’t be higher on Ball’s future,” Trudell tweeted.

Unfortunately for Ball, he had to leave Wednesday's game during the third quarter because of a left knee contusion.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Lakers’ LeBron James will love Luka Doncic’s Mind the Game moveJosh Davis ·
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after a three point shot against the Indiana Pacers in the first quarter during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Bill Simmons drops Lakers conspiracy theory to give Knicks fans hopeJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
LeBron James, Luka Doncic give Lakers their own unique 2-timeline issueAnthony Irwin ·
Feb 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
NBA rumors: LeBron James, James Harden potential free agency departures unlikelyZachary Draves ·
timberwolves, Nickeil Alexander-Walker
1 player Minnesota Timberwolves must trade in 2025 offseasonGarrett Kerman ·
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts to his team losing the lead to the Minnesota Timberwolves late in the fourth quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Lakers’ JJ Redick link up with Les Snead at Rams campMiguel La Torre ·

Luckily, it appears that the injury is very minor and the Lakers will have him in for an MRI today just as a precaution.

“I'm not [concerned],” Ball said after the victory, per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. “Think it is just a bruise to the back of my leg. Should be OK. I have [experienced this before], it is like a dead leg but not in the spot that I have it right now.”

Before he left last night's game due to injury, Ball had eight points on 3-of-7 shooting from the floor, five assists, and four rebounds in just 24 minutes of action.

The Lakers (33-41) only play one of their remaining eight games outside of Staples Center and will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night to close out their March schedule.