Another big test for Lonzo tonight against one of the game’s best PG’s in Wall. Will say love how he’s responded to the questions and how players in the league are hunting him on the court. He really isn’t letting it get to him. Staying composed and just focusing on what’s important which is winning games and helping the team do that.
Speaking of Wall .... another nice article from Tania and great comments from John. Wizard learned quite a few tricks https://www.pressreader.com/usa/los-angeles-times/20171025/282084867052060
I mean, other than say Avery Bradley or the clown formerly known as Beverly, does ANYONE fare well against Wall? Let's be real here. The real question is, how will Wall handle Ball?
I know a lot of people are sick of Lavar putting the bullseye on Lonzo, but he's been doing it the kid's whole life. Lonzo has always had that target and has performed just fine. Through his first few games of his career, he seems to still have no problem dealing with the target and expectations. Personally, I couldn't care less if Lavar ran his mouth at this point. If Lonzo is going to be a star, he will do so with or without this pressure. THAT is not what's going to make or break Zo. I definitely get tired of Lavar talking as well, but I figure that Lonzo will do his thing either way.
I’m tired of Lavar’s act, because he’s a wrestling character and it’s tired by now, but I agree with your overall point. These guys were going to attack Lonzo anyway. Beverly was going to go at a super hyped #2 pick rookie pg because he’s Beverly. Wall was going to do it because he wants to prove himself this year and again, Lonzo is a rookie. Teams are also going to go hard at us anyway, because it’s not a secret our defense sucks (they watch film), and quick guards especially know they can have huge games. So yes, Lonzo has a little bigger target than he might have, but I really don’t see it hurting him so far. D’Angelo had guys going at him too seemingly because he was cocky, and he went right back at a lot of them. Ingram had a super hard time with guys that he was ridiculously compared to like Durant last season, because he was a rookie and Durant does what he does to almost anyone. This is part of the job, I think Ball has handled it like a total pro.
How is Lonzo going to be great? Getting a so-so effort from opposing players or by getting their best every single night? His stats might suffer, but in the long run, he'll be better for it. And as fans, so will we. Lavar gets it. He wants his son to face their best. And in a few years, it'll be Lonzo handing out the punishment.
Lavar doesn't bother me I find myself laughing at things he says and tbh he seems like he'd be a blast to hang around. Different personality types work for some and rub others the wrong way. And the fact is this whole "let's put a mark on Zo" thing was going to happen with or without Lavar and is going to wear off. Sure LaVar pumps it up. But Zo's attitude doesn't warrant it and even these guys that are talking crap about him are also admitting that Lonzo himself "doesn't say anything" so it just becomes a thing where they are going to feel bad picking on the guy. I mean I hate to use the analogy but it almost becomes like a thing where they're picking on him because his dad has a mental affliction. And to anyone with handicapped family (like myself), I am not making light of actual mental afflictions but there are parallels here. Lonzo can't shut his dad up although he doesn't say the same things or even admit to agreeing with them, and he's not about to shut his dad up and loves him regardless. The exact same way any of us are with our handicapped family. So picking on Zo for his father for me, draws a parallel to picking on someone who you view has an affliction. Note nobody thinks LaVar is a bad guy do they? And don't many NBA parents talk crazy talk about their kids but just aren't under media scrutiny like LaVar? Also these players just want a reaction to draw more attention to themselves and if they don't get one it makes them look stupid and like bullies wasting their time. Out-play the hell out him sure, and Wall could very well do that to him tonight, but knock him on his a** crossing the half court line? Thug. It's gonna continue for a while but attitude-wise Lonzo's been like Timmy Duncan and it's just gonna get old. He'll take his bruises for a bit but this season is boot camp. Also if he keeps these numbers up regardless after a while the respect is going to build sooner rather than later due to his good attitude toward other players.
I'm assuming most on here are from California, or lived there in the past. C'mon, you have an uncle or friends who are EXACTLY like Lavar. Life of the party. Talks (poop) nonstop. Doesn't take anything serious. Will take opposing side on any argument just to argue.
I had a good friend sort of similar to Lavar in high school and college years. You couldn’t tell him that he couldn’t do something. He was always in full bore pursuit of whatever. While we hung out I could only think one of two things: either he is the most confident man in life, or he is crazy as a loon. Haa. Years later after the lobotomy known as college, I learned to appreciate that quality. He was a cool guy either way.
The kid can’t shoot right now, but he’s such a special playmaker. He gets us into our offense. He just made some beautiful plays. The touchdown pass to Nance. Then hitting KCP off the screen for the go ahead bucket in OT. Hit Randle on some of those rolls as well. Just doing a great job finding his guys when they free themselves. I just love this kid. Absolutely love him.
That lenght of the floor pass to Nance for an and one was a thing of beauty. Ball kept his poise during the pressure and chaos. Even with the win secured, saw no emotion. Laughed hearing how Walton talked of how he cannot have a read on him.
His outside game will come and go until he builds confidence when to take over. Ball did hit a floater which I wish he would take more along with a nice finger roll. If he is aggressive it really keeps the defense from playing the passing lanes.
Just echo what’s been said. Awful shooting night, but he still makes the right plays over and over. He did make a key bucket late as well, and played some very respectable defense on the guy that was going to torture him for 48 mins. He controls the game, doesn’t get rattled, makes the right plays, puts guys in position to succeed. Oh and I loved Wall trying to go Harden on the last shot of OT, and Zo not falling for it. Instead Wall gets an ugly shot where if he just plays for the shot and not the foul maybe he gets a better one. Lavar called it...
Will have to knock down shots out of the PNR , if not he will be another Rubio . It will take time . Good game other than that
Think players in the league weren't watching..... expecting Wall to light him up.... I'm sure more than Embiid were disappointed. Ball and Kuz. Possibly Ingram. I'm not sure who else can stay. But I'm going to enjoy the process until they're dominating on a nightly basis. Players around the league better get their Tweets in now and do like Beverly and try to make a name (contract) off Ball while they can. The window will only be open for a little while.
