The Lakers improve to 2-3 after halting the Nuggets winning streak, where young playmakers Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma make an impact.
The Lakers have finally delivered on the offseason hype. The talk was that Lebron’s arrival is the return of the Magic Johnson-era “Showtime Lakers”. Fans were given a preview of this premonition on Friday when the Lakers defeated the Nuggets.
The key statistic of the game was the Nuggets’ ineptitude from beyond the arc, making only 6-23 three-pointers.
That’s to take nothing away from the Lakers, who were down by eight with six minutes to go in the game before Lance Stephenson galvanised the home crowd with three big plays.
Then, seemingly from nowhere, Lonzo Ball iced the game with a step-back three-pointer. The shot was staggering. It’s a shot that few would expect Lonzo to take – a playmaking guard known for his passing vision and length, not an aggressive scorer known for audacious shooting.
There was still more work to be done though, and Kuzma and Lebron linked up to extend the lead beyond reach. But when Lonzo’s shot swished through the net, the gold and purple knew victory was near.
Compare this moment with the Lakers v Rockets game, when the Lakers’ starting point guard, Rajon Rondo, hits Chris Paul to earn a three-game suspension.
The decision is easy for coach, Luke Walton. Lonzo should continue as the starting point guard upon Rondo’s return. While that’s a growing sentiment, what hasn’t been said is that Lonzo is the best Laker not named Lebron James.
Where’s LaVar Ball to make such big statements about his son? He said something similar in an interview with Colin Cowherd when Lebron was on the open-market.
“He (Lebron) ain’t played with nobody like Lonzo.”
The usually outspoken father has been eerily quiet about Lonzo’s impressive game against the Nuggets. Maybe that’s why Lonzo seems so focused and confident lately. Regardless, the young point guard is showing drastic improvement in his shooting, defensive effort, and general confidence since last year.
Lonzo finished with 12 pts, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals. The stats don’t show the timeliness of his points and the impact he had defensively. Only five games into the season and he’s addressing every criticism levelled against him since draft day. Don’t be surprised if Lonzo Ball claims his spot as the second-best Laker come playoff time.
