The inconsistency continued for Lonzo Ball on November 13 when the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns on the road, 100-93. Ball finished with only seven points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals. His performance was a bit disappointing since he was coming off a record-setting game versus the Milwaukee Bucks on November 11. Facing the Bucks, the Lakers rookie became the youngest player in the NBA to record a triple-double. A crucial decision made by head coach Luke Walton led to Ball having subpar numbers against the Suns.
In the Lakers' win over the Suns, Walton kept Lonzo Ball on the bench for the entire fourth quarter.
The reason for this was Ball's teammates, Jordan Clarkson and Corey Brewer. Clarkson and Brewer played splendidly in the final frame. The two came up with big plays down the stretch, which convinced Walton to go with them instead of reinserting Ball into the game. Clarkson led all scorers for the Lakers with 25 points. He had three rebounds, three assists, and a steal as well. Brewer, on the other hand, contributed 13 points in 18 minutes of action.
No problem
Following the win, Lonzo Ball spoke about his benching. "We got a win so I got no complaints. My teammates got it done in the fourth, and we had to at least get one on this road trip," the Los Angeles Lakers newcomer explained according to ESPN.
Lonzo Ball also expressed support for the decision of Lakers head coach Luke Walton to stick with Jordan Clarkson. Ball said that Clarkson was "hot" during the game and he "would have rolled" with him also.
Homecoming
After a challenging four-game road trip that saw them go 1-3, Lonzo Ball and the Los Angeles Lakers are heading back to the Staples Center for a four-game homestand.
On November 15, the homestand will start as Ball and the Lakers host Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and the Philadelphia 76ers. Two days later (November 17), they are going to take on the Phoenix Suns for the third time this season. The purple and gold franchise has triumphed in the first two meetings.
Lonzo Ball and the Lakers will have another two-day rest following this.
On November 19, they are set to return to action as the Denver Nuggets visit Los Angeles. The homestand concludes on November 21 with a matchup with the Chicago Bulls.
Ball and the Lakers are 4-3 at the Staples Center this season. They are hoping to remain successful at home as they also aim to better their record which currently stands at 6-8.
