The brawl between Los Angeles Lakers point guard Rajon Rondo and Houston Rockets point man Chris Paul during Saturday's Lakers home opener is a blessing in disguise for Lonzo Ball, who has been a reserve since undergoing knee surgery earlier this summer as the team slowly gears him back into action.
Rondo was suspended for three games while Brandon Ingram, seen as the instigator to the brawl, received four games without pay while Paul got two for retaliating.
This will open the door for the Lakers to do what they've been wanting to do for a while, but just couldn't justify: sitting their veteran point guard and starting Ball despite showing the same apprehension as last season.
Ball will have three games to prove why he should be the Lakers' starting point guard moving forward, and it will come with ample playing time and shots available to him without Ingram on the court.
This is perhaps the most clear opportunity to develop a connection with LeBron James, despite the two playing the same role of facilitators for the team, as that could eventually be his main plea for regaining his starting job.
Ball shot the ball well against the Rockets, connecting on 50 percent of his field goals while going 4-of-8 from distance, making that a call for playing time.
Unlike Rondo, Ball is a willing 3-point shooter. If the youngster can start connecting on a few treys in each of these games, the Lakers will have no choice but to keep him in the lineup, given their dire need for 3-point shooting.
While the ability to quarterback a team and leadership aspect are obviously in Rondo's favor, it's his reluctance to take and make 3s that can hurt him in the end, especially if Ball starts to make shots and becomes an offensive threat.
During his last four games, Lonzo has connected on 43.8 percent of his shots from deep, dating back to a couple of preseason stints. If he can be even remotely efficient from distance, it would force the Lakers' hand to making the move permanent, giving the team plenty of size with players 6-foot-5 and above throughout the lineup.
Rondo has expressed his willingness to take on whatever role is given to him for the betterment of the team, and if he's relegated to a bench role following his antics with Paul, he'll only have himself to blame for opening the door to his demotion.
Three games is a small window, but one Ball should pounce on, letting go of all his inhibitions and ensuring he can make this opportunity count with his ability to take and make the 3-ball efficiently. If the Chino Hills native can put his shooting woes behind him, it's clear the Lakers will try and make the move a permanent one while holding Rondo true to his word.
Ball recently said he'd be 100 percent ready if Rondo was suspended. More than ever, now it's time to put up or shut up.
Ball and the Lakers will look to earn their first win when they host the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. The game is at 10:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV.
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