There are a lot of reasons to be excited for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2017-18 NBA season. One of them is rookie point guard Lonzo Ball, who Los Angeles selected with the second-overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Many see the hometown kid as the hope for the rebuilding franchise. Some are already comparing him to Lakers legend and the team's current president of basketball operations, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr.
Ball's game has earned praises from past and present NBA players. Now, there are two more names added to that long list. These are Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson and former Lakers forward Lamar Odom.
Full package Ball
In a recent conversation with Bleacher Report, Stephenson shared that among the rookies, Ball caught his attention. The 26-year-old said he watched the former UCLA star during the Summer League and he feels like the new Lakers playmaker has the "full package." The Pacers guard also lauded Ball's confidence and the Big Baller Brand.
Stephenson will have to wait until next year before he goes toe-to-toe with Ball. The Pacers' first game versus the Lakers is taking place on January 19 at the Staples Center. Their next meeting is on March 19 at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Special Ball
Similar to Stephenson, Odom had nothing but belief in Ball. In a recent interview with Shams Charania, Odom shared that the Lakers offered him a coaching position.
The 37-year-old is interested in taking the job but is uncertain if he is ready to commit. When discussing this matter, the two-time NBA champion said he had the opportunity to watch Ball work out. He believes the 19-year-old is going to be "special."
Ball a gamble
Hopefully, Ball can continue his splendid performance as he begins his professional career.
Los Angeles invested too much in him, and it would be heartbreaking if he fails to live up to the expectations. The Lakers consider him as their top point guard. It is the reason why they traded D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets back in June. Russell also had potential but needed to go to make room at the No. 1 position.
Aside from being their main court facilitator, the Lakers view Ball as a future superstar. They are relying heavily on him and Brandon Ingram to resurrect the former glory of the organization. In the past four seasons, the purple and gold franchise had losing records. Last season, the Lakers started at 10-10 but finished at 26-56.
