An anonymous Western Conference executive is “surprised” by how good Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball is on defense, according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.

The Lakers' defense was much better this season when Ball was on the floor compared to when he was on the bench. The former No. 2 overall pick ranked third among points guards in Defensive Real-Plus Minus last season and will finish in the top-10 this season.

“He's an impact player on that side of the ball,” a Western Conference executive said. “I'm surprised he's that good defensively. Coming out of UCLA, that was a question.”

Ball's second season in the NBA was cut short due to the left ankle injury he suffered on Jan. 19 against the Houston Rockets. The guard developed a bone bruise in the ankle as well.

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The Lakers are going to miss the playoffs this season, the first year of the LeBron James era.

In 47 games this season for the Lakers, Ball averaged 9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 40.6 percent from the field, 32.9 percent from beyond the arc and 41.7 percent from the free-throw line.

Ball had four double-doubles and one triple-double this season. His 6-foot-6 frame allowed him to guard point guards really well.