The Lakers may have won the summer league championship on the strength of Kyle Kuzma’s championship game performance (30 points, 10 rebounds — which fell in line with his strong play this summer overall), but Lonzo Ball was the MVP of the Las Vegas league.
The Lakers rookie PG averaged 16.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists and dazzled fans nightly with a combination of his basketball IQ and feel as a passer. We wrote about how special Lonzo is, but sometimes words just don’t do it justice. Only seeing what this kid was doing — especially as a passer — can give you the appropriate appreciation.
Without further ado, here are Lonzo Ball’s highlights from the Vegas Summer League and why he was named the MVP:
The full court bombs, the drawing and dishing, the perfectly executed lobs to streaking teammates – Ball did it all as second nature. Add in his own scoring (which was hit and miss, but he showed some promise in that area) and he delivered as well as anyone could have hoped.
I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but players who play this style just don’t come around often. Plenty of guys play fast and others show a penchant for spectacular passing, but few combine both attributes the way Ball does. He is just a joy to watch play. I can’t wait until training camp.
LALaker14 says
Amazing talent!
Old Timer says
We are just getting the appetizer of Lonzo Ball @ 19 years old. Here are the possibilities, he could add more on height maybe one or two inches that’ll be 6’8″ and more weight bulkier in the upper body. If he gets exposed to KCP, the contagious, he could imitate some moves on how to slide his feet and stop the agile PG’s before they make their moves to the basket. Steal the ball while they’re dribbling or before receiving the pass. He has that BBIQ who could learn from coaches and good defenders and improve his game to the next level. Watch out for Ball, once he learns and analyses each player from the league: Curry, Westbrook, CP3, Bledsoe, George, James, Lowry, Wall, Irving etc and then the positioning of his own teammates, that will be a fun to watch. However, as late Chick used to say, that success also depends on luck in avoiding major injuries. I’m sure Lonzo has already some plans in his mind on how to manage himself in a rigorous competition of 82 games plus additional 20 more if they go deep in the playoffs. Coaches and PG’s of other teams are already scouting at this stage and figuring out how to stop those passes. he will definitely absorb hard fouls that will test his temper.
Kudos and credit to Jesse and Joey Buss who discovered Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart. Bryant is still a work in progress. They also invited the up and coming players who could easily be incorporated to the Lakers in the future like Caruso, Blue, Thomas, Wear, York, Dozier who are good in the perimeter shooting and could keep up with Lonzo get and go. Think of the possibilities when Lakers have three marquee players like the Dubs, who will be the supporting cast? Randle, KCP, Clarkson and Jr. as well as Brook Lopez will be too expensive and luxury tax headache if the Lakers gets into that state.
R says
Great stuff; however I was wondering wth has happened to Zu?!
I had read comments about him looking heavy but omg!!
Shaq like body type without the skilz?
R says
Memo to Zubac: being a total fat pig is your ticket out of the league.
Ain’t gonna cut it, son.
Rick in Seattle says
You know R, I’m a bit of a contrarian. When everyone else wants to dress in black clothing, I choose anything but black….
So when I see the movement of teams going more & more toward “small-ball”, I look at it as an opportunity. Those teams who downplay the Center position will have a weakness.
Championship teams, like the Warriors with Bogut & Petchulia, or the Spurs with Robinson & Duncan, or the Lakers with Kareem, Shaq, Gasol, have always won with better than average (if not dominating) centers.
While there is currently less emphasis on the center position (in favor of 3-point shooting), there is still a need for a competent center on every team. If you don’t, your team will eventually meet up with a team that does, and that weakness will be spotted immediately.
Lakers have Lopez (a better than average to borderline all-star) player for this year, and I think the fans will begin to see his value over the course of the coming season. He is not just an expiring contract (although he is that as well) but he is a more than competent player. and hopefully he can be re-signed next summer (unless the Lakers are able to sign someone even better). Lopez is arguably the best center the Lakers have had recently, other than when Gasol & Shaq in their prime. And its clearly a plus that Lopez can also hit 3-point shots.
On the other hand, Zubac is going to get passed by unless he can ramp up his game and get a little fire in his belly. For just one game, I would like to see him get angry and play with a chip on his shoulder. He needs to go hard to the hole every time, and stop letter smaller players push him around. Once he obtains that fire, I think he can improve the quickness and footwork by working hard under Peterson’s direction. But I would sure like to see him light it up for one game just to know he has that ability. He is just too meek around the basket. There were times during the summer league that I wanted to scream at him to just go hard to the hole. He tends to be too much of a finesse player. I would like to see that anger come boiling out just once!
R says
Yep we’ll see soon enough about Zu. I was pretty impressed with him last year so it’s disappointing that he seems to have regressed.
R says
Sorry can’t leave this alone; I was shocked and appalled to see how Zubic has blown up. Well, reality intrudes, how many people don’t get bigger after age 19?
Still, he’s, ahem, “shaping up” to be a world class bouncer rather than a world class 5.
(Sigh)
KevTheBold says
Nice compilation Darius !
I was especially interested to see how Zo compared to a score first pg like the Mav’s Smith.
There was no comparison, and even Smith knew it!
When I think about how smooth Zo is, how calm, un-rattled, how precise and intelligent, and with an unrivaled court vision, plus a killer instinct – and age 19? I’m astounded !
Knowing that he’s only a kid, so has so much more to learn, to develop, grow taller, stronger, faster, makes me truly realize, that we snagged the best player in the draft; and not only in this past one, but arguably the past 10 years or more. He’s a game changer for sure.
Yes, our future path has been shifted, from spinning our wheels in that deep rutted circular mud path, going nowhere fast, to landing on a paved highway, back to greatness !
It feels almost too unreal, but my hopes are more buoyant than they’ve been, since Kobe tore that tendon, and the water drained out of the Lakers lake.
Time to go sailing again my fellow diehards, flying that purple and gold flag, high up on our mast ~!
A Horse With No Name says
R: Total fat pig? Please. Far from it. He’s stronger, visibly so. Quicker, no. Stamina better? No.
Has the game gotten much faster with Lonzo? That’s the biggest difference and why he is struggling. We shall see if he can adjust to this pace. Your inaccurate characterization is mean spirited.
R says
Aw – ok – hope you’re right (sheepish grin).
Tom Daniels says
Yes. Looked like Zubac has done strength work but wasn’t in basketball shape. Wind. Quickness. Add that to the faster pace and he looked lost at times. We shall see what he looks in camp. My guess is he will be more ready.
MT87 says
Watching these Lonzo highlights I can’t help but grin ear to ear! We are so lucky to get to watch this kid play for the Lakers.
Clay Bertrand says
Magic and Pelinka have hinted at signing a VETERAN pg to back up and help out Lonzo (who I DOUBT will play 82 games this season) in the next 10 days or so.
However, I suppose the operative word being “VETERAN” may be the key. Do they mean like an OLDER VETERAN like Deron Williams (PLEASE NO), Brandon Jennings (Probably also NO), Rodney Stuckey (WHY??) or do they mean a guy who has played a few seasons (Canaan) or (Ennis)??? Ian Clark is NOT a point guard.
They have 2 roster spots that will be filled so perhaps IF they can get Clark, its just as an additional shooting wing. I liked how Ennis played last year with the Lakers and he really hasn’t had fair opportunities in Milwaukee, Phoenix, Milwaukee again, Houston etc. Further, it seems there have been Team Roster Circumstances and Transactions that he has got caught up in that have limited his opportunities.
Clearly Ennis hasn’t blown anyone’s doors off or he would have been considered a keeper by these teams. BUT sometimes, a player slips through the cracks and teams maneuver for bigger name players or as teams change coaching staffs.
If the Lakers TRULY want a longtime vet to play some limited minutes and give advice, there are limited available players who can both PLAY, and satisfy that role. If however they are looking for production, potentially more upside that can be valuable on the court OR in a trade scenario, I would consider Ennis.
If his 3 pt shot can continue to develop along with his confidence, he could be a real diamond in the rough. Not sure Deron Williams and his salty attitude and sluggish game are the answer here.
Vasheed says
I would have understood if the Lakers signed Rondo. It made sense. The remaining options seem problematic for the reasons you stated. I would sign Ennis and call it a day at this point. He performed well enough at the end of last season to justify giving him a contract.
Rick in Seattle says
Very valid point, Clay. Not sure why Magic feels he needs to have this done in the next week or two. I cannot see any great prospects among the names you mentioned.
Yes, Clark is young, can shoot & knows the GS/Walton system. so I can see why they like him. But as you correctly point out, he is a SG.
So, would the team then move Clarkson over to be that veteran PG? Clarkson can play both positions, and knows the Walton system better than Ennis.
Ennis.is not a bad choice, but in my opinion, would be an ideal 3rd PG. He already made a solid impression during his half season last year.,
But, if Magic can show a bit more patience and not rush a decision,, better options will likely materialize as other teams continue to revise their respective rosters. I think having a quality veteran backup for Lonzo is critically important, If Lonzo were to go down for any extended period, the season may evaporate with it.
Their patience paid off with KCP, they should continue to follow that example and not rush a decision.
Rick in Seattle says
Clay, Vasheed:
Ennis is not my first choice, but he is young and has some value. Why not sign him to a non-guaranteed contract? Then if a better option appear later, thru trade or whatever, just waive him! If nothing better materializes, at least you’ve got a fall-back option.
A Horse With No Name says
Is it just me that finds listening to Magic painful? The lack of self-awareness and his hogging of the spotlight at these player intro pressers is a bit much. As a secular person, the unending references to God and thanking God for everything ad nauseum, coupled with Pelinka’s stories from scripture makes it all feel like a revival meeting. Yes, I get the importance of religion and faith to people, particularly black people, given their history of oppression. But please tone it all down. Makes me miss the under-stated, circumspect, Mitch.
Vasheed says
As much as I respect his contributions to the Lakers franchise I find him cringe worthy to listen to when given free reign. However, if he builds a contender, I would hope attention would be on the floor and not on the F.O.
Clay Bertrand says
I hear where you’re comin from. I mean, I love Magic and Pelinka is apparently pretty smart. I ain’t trying to start a Holy War here or offend anyone’s beliefs. Sports and Religion has always been an odd set of bedfellows IMO. It never seemed to affect the Lakers though.
But for the Love of FESTIVUS, each presser is growing more and more into a Sermon. When Pelinka broke off the MANNA story, I started thinking Magic was going to unveil the Ark of the Covenant and melt everyone’s face off or start multiplying some Fish and Bread for the media to consume.
If a guy who averaged 14 pts last year is literally a MIRACLE from heaven akin to a “divine” provision of food OUT OF NOWHERE for a large starving population in peril, then Paul George would have to literally be Jesus HIMSELF!!!!!! Lebron must be George Burns…er I mean God!!!!!!!!!
Did we all miss the press conference after the Jazz found out Hayward was going to Boston???
JAZZ FO: “Thanks for coming today……I wanna first say, we are NOT BLESSED. God screwed us over for some reason and sent our best player to the Celtics. We don’t know why God hates us. We never win and it just seems like God NEVER helps us. We don’t even have that much sin in this State……….The Utah Jazz never get bread from Heaven. We are the UNBLESSED.
Life Sucks!!!”
When someone wins, its because God blessed them. When they lose, its because its, “part of God’s plan” and “God does everything for a reason.” If I’m God, I’m saying “KEEP ME OUTTA THIS!!!!! I JUST WANNA SEE A GOOD GAME!!!!!”
We know Magic and Rob mean well. We know they are a little over the top in their praise and blind optimism. But these tales of Biblical miracles and divine intervention are awkward for a Pagan like myself. I’m sure others are fine with it but personally, I feel its as though they think LA is in the Bible Belt. The Lakers are NOT a Christian entity and the fan base is extremely varied by culture. I agree with Vasheed and Horse………..maybe….tone it down.
Now if we make the Playoffs, THAT would be bread from heaven. And as Vasheed says, if Magic/Rob can build a contender I can live with cringing at the press conferences.
Just my opinion.
TheNumberOfFlopsIsTooDamnHigh says
Sweet Lord, Jesus, thank God that the Lakers didn’t hire Mark Jackson, lol! Can you imagine? It would be Xs an Os based on bible verses all day long. And in a secular town like L.A. it would be a massive exodus. I just had a revelation. Lonzo might be the second coming of Magic. Let’s not quote any scripture on that though. We can leave that out of Basket Ball, I completely agree.
R says
Don’t get me started on Mark Jackson!
These guys with a monopoly on the truth are exhausting.
Chearn says
Well, if any person on this earth should be grateful for what God has done in their life, it should be Earvin Johnson.
It doesn’t bother me not one iota that secularism is your belief choice. So why should it bother you that a person openly praises God?
Both Magic and Pelinka have done wonders revitalizing and generating some interest in the previously moribund Lakers. Now if you miss the arbiters of the Deng and Mozgov contracts, then so be it. I for one, however, am relishing the strategic arc that the two have crafted for the organization going forward.
R says
You didn’t ask me, but I’m probably not the only person who finds it offensive when people shoehorn their causes into situations where it’s not relevant or warranted. This often bothers me even when it’s an idea, ideology or stand I agree with! It just seems uncalled for and it’s certainly something that apparently a number of us don’t appreciate.
I could bore you and everybody with examples, but then I’d be kinda guilty of high jacking this thread to make it a platform for my (arguably) half-baked beliefs. Know what I mean?
MsWay says
We want to run so an older point guard to fill an important roster spot without the possibility of upside is a mistake. the younger Ennis at 22 makes alot more sense because practices will be at a very fast pace in 5on5 competition.If Lonzo misses games for an extended stretch we still need to win and keep running so an older point guard could slow us to a stop.Unless Ennis is a headcase or not a club house fit he is a good option,probably our best.Get him in to camp and hire a personal point guard coach as in Mr. Nash,Fish,Farmar,Nixon or magic.
Pbz06 says
I was watching the Top 10 summer league highlights the other day (for the league, not just Lonzo), and it got me realizing why I’m so in on Lonzo and excited…all the other highlights, while they were great (mostly dunks), I feel like a lot of players can do those and most were happenstance. If you squint, it’s just another nice dunk that we see regularly in every NBA game….
But Lonzo’s highlights? His top 5 passes alone can fill a top sizzle reel compilation, and they’re all unique where very few players have replicated in the past. It’s not just having a physical attribute like a 42 inch vertical, but the natural easy smooth skill and vision were amazing to watch…..and he’s 19.
R says
Yeah he can sure advance the ball, can’t he?
As an extra nice bonus, he can go get it off the glass, too.