Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball came close to a triple-double in a blowout loss to the Washington Wizards Thursday, November 9. Unfortunately for Ball, despite what appears to be a good performance for an NBA rookie, his shooting woes continued. As usual, it again led to him receiving criticism when it comes to his shooting and shooting form. Following the game, Ball addressed this.
"I really don't even care, to be honest. I know I've got to just keep shooting and just improve it every game," Lonzo Ball stated according to the Associated Press.
Ball registered 10 points for the Los Angeles Lakers in the road defeat. He shot 3-of-12 from the field, including 1-of-7 from three-point territory. The former UCLA star had eight rebounds, eight assists, and two steals as well.
Lakers head coach Luke Walton also shared his thoughts on the matter. The former Golden State Warriors assistant coach stood by his rookie. Walton called Lonzo Ball an "incredible player," while emphasizing that the latter is just 20 years old. Walton added that Ball nearly had a triple-double, but sports shows only "talk about is his shot."
Rematch
The game Thursday was the second and final meeting between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Washington Wizards this season.
In the first contest that took place on October 25, the Lakers triumphed. Sadly, they failed to repeat that performance last night, though there was a silver lining as seven Lakers scored in double figures, one of them was Lonzo Ball.
Brook Lopez, Jordan Clarkson, Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Julius Randle, and Brandon Ingram joined Lonzo Ball.
Lopez and Clarkson led the Lakers with 15 points each. Kuzma and Caldwell-Pope added 13 apiece. Randle had 11, while Ingram, similar to Ball, contributed 10 points. The Wizards, on the other hand, relied on the backcourt duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal, who combined for 45 points. Otto Porter Jr. helped them with his 20 points and 11 boards.
Lakers' schedule
Lonzo Ball, Luke Walton, and the Los Angeles Lakers will try to end a losing streak on November 11, when they continue their four-game road trip. They are going to be at the BMO Harris Bradley Center this Saturday to take on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. After this, the Lakers will be in Arizona on November 13 to face a squad they already defeated, the Phoenix Suns. Once the road trip concludes, the Lakers are set to head back to the Staples Center for a four-game homestand.
