It appears the #Lakers will attempt to reunite with Lonzo Ball this summer.https://t.co/hByNfTBmnV pic.twitter.com/VEgCcpEVjK
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) July 13, 2021
This offseason should be an interesting one for the Los Angeles Lakers as after a disappointing first-round postseason exit, changes to the roster are expected to be made.
Two things that the Lakers will be looking for are shooting and playmaking in order to take some of the load off LeBron James. One player who fits both of those skillsets is someone who Lakers fans are very familiar with: New Orleans Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball.
Ball is set to hit restricted free agency and despite coming off a career season, most reports have indicated that the Pelicans are not intent on keeping him. In 55 games last season, Ball averaged career-highs in points (14.6), shooting percentage (41.4) and 3-point percentage (37.8) to go along with 4.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists.
If the Pelicans don’t bring him back, the Lakers are expected to be among the teams with interest in Ball, per Marc Stein of the New York Times:
“Expect to eventually hear of them searching for potential pathways, however obstacle-strewn they would be, to reacquiring restricted free agent-to-be Lonzo Ball for that reason.”
While Ball coming back to his hometown team that drafted him No. 2 overall in 2017 would be a great story, the pathway to make it happen is very slim.
First off, the Pelicans would have to be willing to sign-and-trade Ball back to the Lakers, which is unlikely in itself given the past relationship between the two teams. The Lakers would then have to pay Ball a hefty salary that could reach $20 million annually as well as send assets back to New Orleans.
Even if that agreement between the two teams and Ball was made though, the Lakers would then be hard-capped for the rest of the season. That means they would likely lose some of their other key free agents like Alex Caruso and Talen Horton-Tucker, who Rob Pelinka has made it clear he wants to bring back.
Additionally, Ball is expected to have no shortage of suitors this summer with the Chicago Bulls and L.A. Clippers already known to be among them. So the Lakers would also have to beat offers from other teams in sign-and-trade scenarios.
Pelinka has been known to take big risks since taking over the Lakers’ front office, so even though a reunion with Ball seems to be unlikely, it can’t be completely ruled out given L.A.’s need to add shooting and playmaking.
I’ve always been a big fan of Lonzo and love how he’s fixed some of the major flaws in his game, namely free-throw and 3-point shooting. I think Lonzo is a great option as a third star on the Lakers. His playmaking, shooting, and defense would be big pluses.
14.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 5.7 apg in 31.8 mpg. 3.1 3PM per 8.3 3PA for 37.8%
I lalso ove his outlet passing and the fact that he does not need the ball in his hands to have an impact. Great low usage option, which is good for LeBron and AD.
The problem is Lonzo is down near the bottom of the list of Lakers moves because it would hard cap us. If we can’t land any of the options that don’t hard cap us, then I think options like Lowry and Ball may be viable options.
I love Lonzo and would love him back on the Lakers but don’t see it happening. Hopefully, we won’t need to get that low on our big board that we have to hard cap ourselves.
lol, just posted something similar. AD at the 5? Ball back on the team? LT heaven!
I wouldn’t mind having Lonzo as our starting shooting guard and secondary ball handler. He’s great in transition. But I wouldn’t want him as the starting pg. he still has difficulty running the half court offense. He also shoots a dismal 37.9 on drives to the paint. Still not a good finisher. The Pels moved him to SG and he thrived in that role. And his ability to guard the 2 and 3 make him a defensive asset as well.
Thanks, Michael. I agree except for the hard cap issue. I’ve wanted Lonzo back ever since he fixed his jumper and free throw problems. Whomever is the shooting coach for the Pelicans has done a great job. Lakers might look to see if he were available to fill one of their vacancies.
I am a big fan of Lonzo and would be thrilled to have him back. Though passing comes to him naturally, his defense and rebounding prowess for a guard is what draws me to him. Yes, you are right about his shooting coach. The Lakers should look into it.
You’re right, Jamie. LT Heaven.
LOL!
I especially liked this comment although I’m not quite sure of the logic behind the comment:
“Word is that the Lakers, on top of their well-chronicled need for more shooting, covet one more difference-making playmaker who would allow James and Davis to spend more time at power forward and center.”
I can see Lonzo affecting LeBron playing the 4 more instead of the 1 but don’t quite grasp the logic that Lonzo would help AD play more five, unless it’s the presence of LeBron at the 5 that helps that. At any rate, we need more James at the 4 and AD at the 5.