Lonzo Ball May Reunite With Lakers Quickly to Add Backcourt Firepower

As the NBA commerce deadline approaches on Feb. 6, rumors have emerged linking Chicago Bulls level guard Lonzo Ball to his former workforce, the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, in a dialog with Jason Timpf of Hoops Tonight, advised that the Lakers may very well be enthusiastic about buying Ball.

Ball’s Return from Injury

Ball, presently within the last yr of a four-year, $80 million contract, has proven glimpses of his potential this season after a prolonged damage absence. He has averaged 6.4 factors, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 steals in 20.4 minutes per recreation throughout 23 appearances, per Bleacher Report.

“I think Lonzo is someone that’s going to be on their radar, and I think depending on the price if you could get him for second or two seconds, I think that’s an interesting swing, and also someone with that 6’6″ body that would probably I feel to be much like Bruce Brown, verify a few containers…he is bulked up a bit of bit all through his profession, so he can guard twos and even some smaller threes and probably be a part of a one-through-three switching scheme. And then offensively, I feel, particularly coming off the bench as a secondary ball-handler, playmaker, and likewise a spot-up shooter, I feel he is somebody who’s an attention-grabbing gamble for them,” Buha said.

However, the 2017 second-overall pick is still working his way back to full strength following multiple knee surgeries, including a meniscus transplant. This has resulted in limited playing time and a dip in his shooting percentages.

He is currently shooting 36.5% from the field and 33.0% from three-point range, a significant drop from his career averages of 39.9% and 36.2% from beyond the arc.

Defensive Prowess and Trade Deadline Considerations

Despite his offensive struggles, Ball remains a valuable asset due to his exceptional defensive abilities. His tenacious on-ball defense would significantly upgrade the Lakers’ backcourt.
For the Bulls, trading Ball could be a strategic move.

With a 19-25 record and currently occupying the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference, their playoff hopes are dwindling. Moving Ball before the deadline could allow them to acquire assets for the future or potentially pursue a different direction.

Lakers’ Need for Backcourt Depth

Despite showing signs of improvement, the Lakers still require significant upgrades to contend for a championship. Their backcourt depth is a concern, and Clutch Point reports that Ball could provide a much-needed defensive presence and playmaking ability.

While the Lakers have remained relatively quiet on the trade front, the possibility of acquiring Ball remains intriguing. Only time will tell if the rumored trade will push through in the next two weeks.