OFFICIAL LONZO BALL THREAD

kikanga · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 5:16 am Post subject:

I think Ball will be a good fit in Luke's system. The pace Lonzo is used to playing at is similar to the pace GS plays with. Push the ball down court, get the ball moving and opportunities will open up for different players.
I envision a system where nobody is averaging close to 10 APG. But as a team, we're top 10 in assists.
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Yumyumcha · Starting Rotation Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 751

This thread is exactly Magics problem. Instead of us talking about Lonzo, we end up talking about Magic. I finally turned the corner on the D'lo trade and Magic's got to butt his big head in again. I don't think the team is going to have a problem with Lonzo or his dad but I do think the way Magic talks, players might find him annoying ie: anointing Zo as the face of the franchise, declaring Ingram as the only untouchable on the team. Like Sanity said, its all about Magic.

DK · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 6:11 am Post subject:

For added context, I doubt any of Magic's pressure could be any more hyperbolic than Lonzo's dad had dropped - i.e. better than Steph, could beat MJ, etc. Basically, if there's any kid in the draft that would know how to navigate this, it's Lonzo.
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Chronicle · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 6:12 am Post subject:

durden-tyler · Star Player Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Posts: 1266

I don't think lakers players will resent Lonzo because Magic said he's the new face of the franchise, cause he's a very very unselfish player. There's little doubt that players will love his style of play. You say the same with a selfish/shoot first, shoot second young player and the result could be different.
Lonzo has been raised by a dad who says twice a week to the world that his son will become the best player ever, and it seems like it doesn't get to his head, I think he can handle a little praise from Magic !!!

governator · Retired Number Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Posts: 25092

32 · Retired Number Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Posts: 73071

What Magic said talking about his goals for Lonzo in the press conference was no worse than what his Dad has said. He has heard the same stuff from his Dad his whole life. He will be fine.
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durden-tyler · Star Player Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Posts: 1266

epak · Retired Number Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 34147

Once you're on the court and someone puts you in scoring position with a pass, it makes everything better.

justsomelakerfan · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Jul 2016 Posts: 10939

32 · Retired Number Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Posts: 73071

governator · Retired Number Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Posts: 25092

laker50 · Star Player Joined: 07 Mar 2014 Posts: 2140

Lonzo was definitely the correct choice. But remember that Lonzo is not a scorer. He is no Magic Johnson.
His contribution will be ball movement, player movement, sharing the ball. Team play and team defense. Now if only can get Luke Walton on board with this concept.

But Lonzo needs some shooters. He played at UCLA with some great shooters. The Lakers are lacking in that area. Lonzo can pass them open all day, but if they cannot hit the shot it is curtains.

That is why I think the Lakers should resign Nick Young for 5M for 2 to 3 years. He can play the SG until PG13 gets here. Then be instant offense off the bench. Hart will be a big addition, but he is a rookie like Lonzo. Can't play too many rookies.

I hope there is a thinking man on the Lakers. Magic is full of energy and zest. But Rob needs to temper Magic and fill the needs of the team.

So far they seem to be making the right moves. But as you know they got stuck with a huge mess. See my other posts on it.

governator · Retired Number Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Posts: 25092

justsomelakerfan · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Jul 2016 Posts: 10939

And Rob has stressed that they're looking for players who fill the roster needs, shooting was a priority in this draft and then defensive impact. So that's encouraging that they'll be able to build a roster than can really gel with Lonzo's style of play.
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TheBlackMamba · Star Player Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 9057

Yeah, as people have already said, that press conference was cringe-worthy at times. I'm all for propping up your high draft pick in the immediate aftermath of the selection (which is what teams usually do), but to call him the face of the franchise from Day 1 when we have other young, talented guys on this team that have been here longer and joke about him breaking your records, having his jersey retired, etc. is a bit much. Magic the person was never going to suddenly become Magic the basketball executive, as far as his media personality, but is it too much to ask him to dial it back just a little?

And Rob really didn't do much to temper the expectations either. In one sentence, he talks about how he doesn't like speaking in hyperbole, and then he goes on to call Lonzo a "transcendant" talent multiple times comparable to an Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady. You gotta' be (bleep) kidding me here.

I really, really hope they leave all the gushing at this first press conference, and let the kid go to work soon without putting all this unnecessary and ridiculous pressure him. All these pretty words aren't going to get us wins, after all.

Gatekeeper · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 6:52 am Post subject:

governator · Retired Number Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Posts: 25092

Truck Turner · Star Player Joined: 28 Apr 2011 Posts: 3937

@ People complaining about Magic Johnson being Magic Johnson. He's been like that with the media since before he even came into the league.

He's basically putting the same expectations on Ball that were placed on him coming into the league.

epak · Retired Number Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 34147

I agree with those saying the press conference was unusual. With Mitch, we've always been presented with a tempered expectation with words like ”hope" and "wait and see." Magic was very hyped.

However, if you listened to the interview afterwards on Spectrum, you heard Magic say we are setting high expectations now. He said he's not crazy and he knows the reality of things. But they want to start setting high expectations.

As others have stated here, if there's a kid that can handle the pressures of expectations, it's Lonzo. He's had that pressure and target on him since middle school. In AAU. At Chino Hills. And at UCLA. And not just external expectations but internal ones from dad and from himself.

I set high expectations for my favorite team. And I think that's OK. Especially before the season.

LakersRGolden · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 7:14 am Post subject:

TheBlackMamba · Star Player Joined: 23 Apr 2007 Posts: 9057

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noahp45 · Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 7:25 am Post subject:

I don't know, dude was bred for basketball. That's all he does is Ball.

I think he will be fine, most people can't handle the hype and attention. He has been dealing with that crap forever

You guys are a bunch of "negative Nancy's"