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The addition of LeBron James has been important, but the Lakers hope another of their stars will make a giant leap over the coming season.
Lonzo Ball, the controversial second-year guard, has been working on his shooting mechanics and is planning a "break-up season," according to team president Magic Johnson.
"Man, it's beautiful," Johnson told reporters Thursday. "We did not want to disturb him. I think that he decided to do it alone. … We explained that the off season would be the most important and that even though he could be on the ground, his shot was magnificent. "
If his new shot – which apparently features faster output and more balanced tracking – is really improved, getting and staying on the field may be Ball's biggest hurdle to a great season.
Rob underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in July and will be in five out of five games as training camp begins, even though he was completely cleared for all basketball activities, said Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.
Johnson and Pelinka said the team was determined to allow Ball to become a leader in toy manufacturing, and Johnson said Rajon Rondo would play a mentoring role.
"[Ball is] he will be ready to do what he did last season, because he had only two things left to do, and he was heading to the basket, finishing and getting the mids to get his shot where he was. balance, "said Johnson. "It's not his shot. He must just be in balance.
With James, the Lakers also acquired Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee and Michael Beasley to form a new veteran core for a 16-time NBA champion franchise that has not participated in the playoffs since 2013.
The Lakers' disparate collection of talent will take a long time to freeze, but Johnson already sees that happening in these fights.
"I mean, they're going hard," said Johnson. "It's physical. It's hard. There are garbage cans that speak. It's very entertaining and there is a lot of teaching at once. It's really great to see these young people get the chance to learn champions. "
– with AP
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