Lonzo Ball skeptics can point to his traditional box score line from Friday night’s Los Angeles Lakers win over the Dallas Mavericks and levy the same criticisms we’ve heard repeatedly throughout Ball’s year-plus stint with the organization: He was 4-9 from the field (including just 1-5 from three), committed five turnovers, and was a -6 in box plus-minus during his time on the floor despite the team’s 11-point victory.
All of that is true. Ball clearly needs to improve as a shooter — and especially as a finisher around the rim — and generally has been too carefree with the ball in his hands.