Lonzo Ball - Up & Coming Star or Broken Draft Bust?

     It's truly amazing how one game can change the way the sports media see's you.

     Lonzo Ball tipped off his career to a rocky start with the LA Lakers, at home, in a 108-92 loss to their inner city rivals, the Clippers, and the sports media has been anything but soft toward the rookie. His NBA debut was a lack-luster performance, scoring 3 points, grabbing 9 boards and collecting 4 assists. He picked up a steal and a block as well, but his shooting was... well, not good. He went 1 for 6 on the floor, his lone connection a triple point shot in the second quarter, and missed both of his free throw attempts.

     Former Houston Rocket bench player Patrick Beverley covered him the majority of the game, welcoming him early to the NBA with a brutal check, and reportedly screamed after the game, "Weak ass m-----f-----! Bring him on the court with me and I will tear his ass up!"

People are criticizing Beverley for his comments, none more so that Lonzo's father, LaVar. The senior Ball made a big point with his "Who is Patrick Beverley" statement. Shut your mouth dude. That's exactly the point we're all making! Seriously though, Beverley might have a point. Beverley did score 10 points on Lonzo, going 4 of 12 on the field while playing a few less minutes. However, the rookie showed a clear lack of effort and energy on defense so, honestly, anyone could have torn him apart.

     Lakers Head Coach Luke Walton defended the rookie, saying that Lonzo "Made the right pass eight, nine times. We missed open threes. That's not on Zo."

     Lonzo himself stated that "We got blown out, so I didn't play too well."

     Normally, this much fall out from the media around a rookie after his first NBA game doesn't happen, but with his father, LaVar, constantly running his mouth, starting his own high dollar shoe company and pulling his youngest son from High School with two years until college to personally train him, the line is very fine for Lonzo. or any Ball, to walk on with the media and their support.

     On top of that, Lonzo is officially the most under performing rookie in their season debut. Celtics Jayson Tatum put up a double double against power team Cleveland, 14 points, 10 rebounds. 76ers first overall pick Markelle Fultz scored 10 off of the bench, played slightly under 18 minutes. Mavericks Point Guard Dennis Smith Jr put up a double double too, 16 points and 10 assists. Lonzo happens to be in a season where rookies are starting their careers with big bangs, and he isn't with them.

     Now the question that everyone is asking. Is Lonzo an Up and Coming Star in the NBA? Or is he yet again another PR bust for the Lakers?

     We really can't jump to conclusions after one game, but his energy level that you saw in college where he wasn't afraid to make plays and run all over the court hasn't been there all through the preseason. It wasn't there last night either. I was actually underwhelmed by the movement he made on the court. Yes, Lonzo had some energy on offense, but he let those guys just destroy him on defense. That's worrisome.

     The next problem I saw with his game is that Lonzo is unsure of himself playing at this level. He used his teammates as much as he could, and he got 4 assists to show for it. He's not playing with the TJ Leafs and the Bryce Alfords he had in UCLA, nor is he playing against Cal State-Northridge or the UC-Riverside. He's in the NBA with what is widely considered a pretty weak team. If Lonzo wants to be a difference maker, he's got to do what he did in college. Get the ball, drive inside, score a layup or dunk it over Patrick Beverley. Break somebodies ankles with a power juke and put up that three. Lonzo has got to play with more confidence.

     The last problem is what everyone talked about in the beginning and has kind of forgotten about. The way he throws up his shot looks extremely awkward. You have to wonder if he can shoot over people in the NBA because the ball comes out so low that it's saddening. How many times will Lonzo's game winning shot be blocked because his shot comes out the very wrong way?

     If Lonzo can't make that jump in confidence soon, his career as a starter will certainly be pressed with an explosive playmaker like Jordan Clarkson sitting on the bench, who scored 18 last night too, and if Lonzo can't play better defense he won't be a star in this league.