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Physical and mental maturation of Lonzo Ball is apparent to Lakers coach Luke Walton

It was fair to meet with skepticism Lonzo Ball’s declaration in Denver that despite his ankle injury he could have kept playing and that he would not miss any games.

Ball’s history didn’t support his insistence that night. Ball has been more prone to missing weeks or even months because of injuries that didn’t seem bad at first.

“Last season, I probably would’ve been out for a couple weeks,” Ball said. “Definitely paid off this summer being in the gym and getting my body ready.”

Ball’s assessment was correct. He got back onto the court for the next game against Indiana and didn’t seem hampered by the injury.