Once again, Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball is criticized by many after a poor scoring performance in a 119-112 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans at the Staples Center Sunday night. Ball only had eight points after shooting 3-of-13 from the field (0-of-5 from three-point territory). However, he made up for it by recording eight rebounds, 13 assists, and a steal. The total number of assists helped him break a franchise record set by Lakers president of basketball operations, Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr.
According to NBA Buzz, Ball's 13 dimes last night made him the youngest player (19 years old) in Lakers history to register 10+ assists in a game.
That label previously belonged to Johnson who accomplished the feat when he was 20.
The Lakers got defeated, but Ball's numbers, especially when it comes to assists, is good news for them. It means the former Chino Hills and UCLA standout continues to develop. He is starting to look like what the purple and gold franchise wants him to be, which is a leader on the court. Unfortunately, each time he struggles, he will draw flak from fans because of the hype surrounding him.
Sixth Man of the Year
It is too early to say, but the Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2017-18 season may go to a Los Angeles Lakers player. For the third consecutive outing, Jordan Clarkson provided a stellar performance for the Lakers.
In the loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, Clarkson came off the bench and exploded for 24 points to lead all scorers for the purple and gold. In three games so far, the 25-year-old is averaging a career-best 19.7 points per contest. Clarkson is starting to get the attention of fans and analysts whose eyes are on Lonzo Ball when the season began.
KCP's debut
Aside from Lonzo Ball and Jordan Clarkson, the spotlight was also on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Sunday. Caldwell-Pope made his Los Angeles Lakers debut and had an excellent outing. The 24-year-old was a starter for the Lakers and poured in 20 points. He also tallied two rebounds, an assist, two steals, and one block.
In a report by the Associated Press, Lakers head coach Luke Walton stated that they are excited for the return of Caldwell-Pope who served a two-game suspension.
Next game
Lonzo Ball and the Los Angeles Lakers are staying at home for their next game. On Wednesday, they are hosting the Washington Wizards. It will be an exciting matchup since Ball is going up against one of the best point guards in the NBA, John Wall.
