The hype to start the Lakers season has been electric. Say what you want about LaVar Ball, but he does add intrigue to his son's (Lonzo Ball) games. This week, the elder Ball called out the Wizards before their trip to the Staples Center.
Normally, a Washington Wizards game in Los Angeles on a Wednesday night wouldn't create much fanfare. But LaVar Ball's comments created a stir and was followed by a tweet from Wizards center Marcin Gortat to the effect that John Wall was going to dominate his kid. The storyline was hot enough for sports talk shows to cover the angle for two days and helped ESPN market a game that under any other circumstance wouldn't be on anyone's radar.
But for those who thought that Wall was going to come out and give Lonzo Ball the business, that didn't happen. After the first quarter, the battle of Wall vs Ball combined for a total of two points. Wall picked up his game following intermission, finishing with 18 points, but was just 7-22 from the field. And it wasn't Lonzo Ball, but Brandon Ingram who was the star of the night. His 19 points were a Laker high, and he hit the shot to send the game into overtime.
Lakers Game MVP
Brandon Ingram has had an up-and-down second year, but his shot was falling as he led the Lakers on their fourth-quarter comeback. Ingram's has a smooth mid-range jumper, and while his length helps him get to the basket, he still struggles to finish at the rim.
But he just turned 20-years old last month and continues to flash his incredible potential.
Rest of Lakers starters
Lonzo Ball got off to a rough start, but kept his poise and finished strong down the stretch (six points/eight rebounds/10 assists).
He also did this:
Watching Ball on the court, it sometimes looks like he has an on and off switch when it comes to his aggressiveness.
He's always looking to get others involved, but when he's driving to the basket and creating havoc, it raises his teammates' level of play.
Larry Nance Jr is super athletic and always seems to be around the basket for offensive rebounds and easy buckets. He scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, but did much of his damage in the first-half.
Since returning from his suspension, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (14 points) has added top line defense and an offensive punch. He struggled with his shot, shooting just 5-13, but had a big three in OT. Brook Lopez chipped in nine points.
Lakers bench players
The bench is a strength for this Lakers team. Veterans and former starters Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle always provide solid minutes and did so again against the Wizards, combining for 19 points. Fan favorite and first-year player Kyle Kuzma also had a good game off-the-bench with 15 points.
Final thoughts
LaVar Ball has deposited some checks that his son is going to have to encash. Everyone who crosses path with Lonzo Ball seems to like and respect him.
But his father’s words are going to follow him all season long. Maybe it'll be a baptism by fire for the rookie, and he'll come out stronger on the other side. Players will continue to go after Lonzo Ball to spite his father, but he'll have to avoid the noise and just play his game.
