Adding LeBron James was big, but the Lakers are hoping another of their marquee stars takes a giant leap forward in the coming season.
Lonzo Ball, the controversial second-year guard, has been working on his shot mechanics and is set for a “breakout season,” according to team president Magic Johnson.
“Man, it is beautiful,” Johnson told reporters Thursday. “We didn’t want to bother him. I think he decided to do that on his own. … We explained that this is going to be the most important offseason, and while he could be on the court, his shot looked great.”
If his new shot – which apparently features a quicker release and more balanced follow-through – truly is improved, getting and staying on the court may be Ball’s biggest obstacle to a big season.
Ball had arthroscopic knee surgery in July and will be held out of five-on-five scrimmages when training camp begins, even though he has been fully cleared for all basketball activities, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said.
Johnson and Pelinka said the team is determined to allow Ball to grow into his role as a playmaking leader, and Johnson said Rajon Rondo will play a mentoring role.
“[Ball is] going to be ready to build on what he did last season because it was only a couple of things he had to do better, and that was driving to the basket, finish and get the midrange, in terms of getting his shot where he is on balance,” Johnson said. “It is not his shot. He just has to be on balance.”
Along with James, the Lakers also acquired Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee and Michael Beasley to form a new veteran core for a 16-time NBA champion franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2013.
The Lakers’ disparate collection of talent will need plenty of time to gel, but Johnson is already seeing it happen in those scrimmages.
“I mean, they are going hard,” Johnson said. “It’s physical. It’s tough. There’s trash talking. It’s just a lot of fun, and also a lot of teaching at the same time. It’s really great to see these young guys getting a chance to learn from champions.”
— with AP
