LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers have won for the ninth time in 11 games thanks to a 90-83 defeat against Utah Jazz, but the night could be notable for something that has happened through the after.

LeBron James spoke of greatness.

Not his. The greatness of Lonzo Ball.

"Sometimes he does not realize how great he is and what he has on the floor," James said, sitting down in front of his locker. "And when Zo realizes how good he is on the ground, it makes him a very dynamic player and makes us even better."

James appeared to be very much of his own greatness on Friday night after scoring 18 of his 22 points in the second half and blocked Alec Burks' defeat of Utah 27.6 seconds from the end, which would have resulted Utah within three points. James also had 10 rebounds and seven assists, but seemed more interested in talking about Ball.

Ball, the Lakers second-year leader, tied James with a team record of 10 rebounds and nine points while the Lakers improved to 11-7. In the previous Lakers game, which defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers (109-105), Ball had 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Yes, Ball also made four turnovers at an evening when the Lakers recorded a record high of 24 seasons. But that's not what the Lakers were focused on.

"I thought Lonzo was good again to attack the paint," said Lakers head coach Luke Walton. "Ten defensive rebounds is the guy who helps you win a lot of ball games."

You may find that Ball's last two games are not enough evidence to believe he's a playmaker who can help lead the Lakers to an NBA championship. But it's worth listening to James.

Carefully.

"You know, when he's aggressive, it changes our dynamics as a team," James said. "He's been doing it recently and we need him to keep doing it because he's so good."

The difference between the last two games and the omissions that preceded them?

"Just to be more aggressive," said Ball. "Try to get to the edge, bounce the ball, try to do what I can to be active."

James pointed out that Ball, who in part because of injuries, had not yet met the expectations set by team president Magic Johnson, did not even play 82 career games. In fact, Friday night was the 70th Ball since being ranked second overall in the 2017 session.

Eventually, Ball will recognize his own greatness, said James, who added that Ball's greatness was being born.

"It will happen," said James, who added that he was seeing progress. "I can see it, but sometimes for you personally, you must continue to understand it."

Follow Josh Peter on Twitter @ joshlpeter11.