How do LeBron James and Lonzo Ball go together with the LA Lakers? | Bleacher's report

When it was written, Lonzo Ball was to lead the LA Lakers' offensive for years to come. Now he crosses LeBron James.

While trying to digest all that comes with James' heartbreaking decision to agree to join the Lakers, as announced Klutch Sports Group a question was raised: How are he and Ball going together?

It's a common thought or belief that both are the best with basketball in their hands. Does the addition of James remove Ball's forces?

It's worth talking, but not thinking too much.

Ball, removed from the ball

The ball will belong to James next year, and this will not limit the effectiveness of Lonzo. In fact, the addition of James will help illuminate Ball's versatility and his ability to be equally effective in playing against the action of his teammates.

Going back to his era at UCLA, Ball was more effective than working off the ball screens or scoring one-on-one. This year, in a talented UCLA team that included TJ Leaf, Aaron Holiday, Bryce Alford, Ike Anigbogu and Thomas Welsh, Ball was ranked at the 95th percentile of the scores, which represented 23.1 % of his attack, more than He's even outscored as a timely cutter (7.3 percent of his attack, 96th percentile, 22 out of 25), a force we'll see more as he spends more time on the wing in a James attack.

A major selling point of Ball is his talent for impacting games without having to use stretches of a shooting clock to try, which is the coach Luke Walton will call James for. With weapons around him at UCLA, Ball ranks fifth in the country in the plus-minus offensive zone, and this, while being used in only 18.1% of the Bruins' possessions.

Lonzo Low Maintenance

The ball does not require the freedom to dominate the ball or dance with it. He draws on his vision, pass accuracy, and basketball IQ to make quick and intelligent decisions that lead to open fire for teammates and ball movement

Lonzo is more accurate. mover than a playmaker.

Last season, Ball ranked at the 17th percentile as a ball player. Only 4.0% of his offense came out of isolation.

He averaged 7.2 assists, requiring only 3.18 dribbles and 3.82 seconds per touchdown. These are low numbers for a starting point guard. In comparison, Kyrie Irving took 4.47 dribbles and 4.82 seconds per touchdown. Ball should not have a hard time adapting to a new teammate who will dominate the ball above him.

"Lonzo is a ball player, he is not dominated by bullets," sent a scout to Bleacher Report. "Filming is a different conversation, but their playing styles are totally compatible."

Lonzo's Shot

A key for Ball next season will be to take advantage of James' creativity. penetration. He only shot 30.5 percent of three as a rookie and 33.0 percent on catch-and-shoot jumpers.

It was a disappointing development, given the issues and emphasis associated with his unorthodox shooting mechanics and the success that he had at UCLA. His number of freshmen is still fueling optimism – Ball has made 45.5% of his jumpers guarded and 42.9% on unguarded attempts.

And chances are, adding a player like James, who will also make the game easier The other young players of LA, Ball will see more open shots.

How Does Ball Affect James?

The main topic of discussion when breaking the new duet is the way James affects Ball, since the offense will revolve around James – like all the other offenses in which he played – and Ball is the developing sophomore of 20 years

But will James have to adapt to Ball? If anything, James will have to face another heavy workload, unless the Lakers return some of their youngest runners to an established star like Kawhi Leonard.

Last year, Ball averaged 7.5 discs and 1.7 points of them. It has never been known to possess an explosive explosion, a limit that may persist in going from the front. Ball puts less pressure on defenses off the dribble than Irving did with James in Cleveland. In 2016-17, Irving averaged 11.9 units and 7.4 points lower.

In terms of painting, the Lakers will be dependent on James, just as the Cavaliers were last season when George Hill was at the forefront.

Ball and James

In terms of statistics and styles, Ball should cohabit with James if for no other reason he is as bright and selfless as he is. a player that there is. His core strength is his mind, not a skill, and it will allow him to adapt to an unknown situation, having always been the focal point.

Ball will continue to press buttons in the half-court, and James will benefit from Ball's savvy decision-making. He is the anti-Isaiah Thomas, who does not seem to be back with Los Angeles, especially since returning from injury in Cleveland last year before the Cavaliers exchange him, James got his worst month (January) of the season in terms of points per game (23.5 points) and percentage of goals in the field (50.6).

There should be no worries about Ball and James getting involved in the lineup. Now the questions are who will fill the gaps and if management can find a way to add another star building block.

Statistics courtesy of Synergy Sports, NBA.com and Sports Reference