What's Going On With LA's Point Guards?
SteemSports Presenter:@mateonav53
SteemSports Editor:@scottybuckets
The arrival of Isaiah Thomas has people wondering how he will coexist with LA's prized no. 2 pick and resident Big Baller, Lonzo Ball. IT will have some time to acquaint himself with LA's offense as the main point guard before Ball returns from an MCL injury in his left knee. The injury affects his lateral movement and he recently dialed up his rehab to doing drills at full speed with assistant coach Miles Simon. However, he hasn't started practicing with teammates yet. He has been out for 12 games and he's targeting a return around after the All-Star game. We will be lucky if he suits up for an early return during the All-Star break for the Rising Stars game.
Before he went down with the injury he was having a solid, but not amazing year for a number two pick. In 36 games, he's exhibited some solid defensive instincts and amassed averages of 10.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.5 steals and .9 blocks. Those rebounding and assist numbers are excellent for the rookie, but his shooting has people doubting him.
He's got a questionable shooting form where he swings the ball to his side on it's way up, and then releases it from a low point on his body. He's only landing a horrendous 35.6% of his shots, and an inexcusable 48% from the free throw line! These are things he can improve with determined practice. The extra things he brings to the table like his rebounding and passing skills are what make him special and will keep him ahead of the curve of NBA point guards once he finally figures out his shot. He needs to get it down because it affects his passing too. If defenders don't respect his shot, they'll just sag off him and clog his passing lanes, daring him to shoot.
It will be interesting to see how Luke approaches this situation, but Ball might end up taking a backseat to Isaiah in terms of his shot taking and facilitating duties. He doesn't have a penchant for stirring up drama like his father, I think he'll be a good soldier and step in where he's needed. This deferment might stunt his growth as a player, but Isaiah is on an expiring contract so he may just play out the rest of his year in LA and hit free agency. The Lakers have made it publicly known they want to have cap space this summer to pursue two max-level free agents. Unless Isaiah does some amazing work and is an irreplaceable positive influence in the locker room, they'll probably let him walk.
Before Saturday's game in Dallas Isaiah stated to the media that he will not defer to Lonzo. A rumor floated around that his agent said he wants to be bought out if they make him come off the bench. At the same time, Magic Johnson says Lonzo Ball will start at point guard. Will Luke keep Lonzo at point guard and start Isaiah at shooting guard? Isaiah adds a lot more options for the fluctuating Lakers offense, but the drawback is no one is scared of him and his 5'9 stature on defense.
IT is kind of a wild card right now. He stirred up a bunch of shit with his Cleveland teammates and was shipped out after only 15 games on the floor. He seems to be looking out for his own well-being first and foremost because he's been traded around so much in the last few years. Even in Boston where he found a place that felt like home and became an unsung hero - he still got traded for Kyrie Irving. Still, he has to take his ego out of the equation if the Lakers are going to maintain their recently excellent chemistry and continue development of their youth movement.
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Ball is the future of the organization. Thomas was brought in and to assume that he will resign with the team is not a guarantee. With this trade they have opened up the floor for rising star Kazuma, and opened up major salary cap to acquire 2 huge free agents next year.
Indeed. I'm hopeful for ball he does a lot of other things well besides scoring, which he can improve
Magic johnson is ochestrating this, so expect some big moves next year. Ball will have a replacement til his knee heals and kuzuma will have more playing time now that clarkson is gone. We need some much need size in the paint.
Yea I hope him and Rob can make some big signings this summer. We definitely will need more in the paint. Randle has looked pretty good down there the last few games but if they want to have enough room to sign two max guys they have to let him walk as well. And I personally love Randle i hope he somehow stays
a great game good all a orng jg a.
Good move for both the Lakers and Cavs. Lakers with cap room now. I think IT and Ball can coexist. Should be interesting...
I think they'll coexist too, especially with IT accepting a bench role. He looked amazing on offense in the first half against Dallas on Saturday, but slowed down in the 2nd. I'm mostly concerned about his defense, they gave up 130 points in the loss to the Mavs. Not all his fault but damn that's a lot of points.