Lakers Practice Notes & Video: Lonzo Ball, LeBron James Interesting Statistic
Lakers Practice Notes & Video: Lonzo Ball, Lebron James Interesting Statistic

Lonzo Ball’s second triple-double (eight days after his first) after their win over the Denver Nuggets was all the talk at Lakers practice, especially after a particular statistic surfaced. Both Ball and LeBron James were exactly 20 years and 23 days old when they recorded their second triple-doubles of their NBA careers.

In addition to Lonzo’s performance, the Lakers also played one of their most complete games of the season. Head coach Luke Walton said it was their best game of the season in terms of moving and sharing the ball (highlighting their 338 total passes).

Julius Randle also had his best statistical performance of the season and Walton chats about why he’s not frustrated that Randle isn’t bringing those types of performances every night.

Quotes

Luke Walton on why Lonzo Ball is such an effective rebounder: “The way he sees the game, I think he attacks the rebound for where it’s going, he’s not waiting for the ball to come to him, he goes and gets it and understands angles…but most of it is just his anticipation of where the ball is going.”

Walton on whether it’s frustrating not to have those types of games vs. Randle every night: “No it’s not frustrating at all, he’s a young player that he keeps showing progress in his game, it’s not easy, the consistency level in the NBA when you play as much as we do…I think Julius has done a great job of continuing to try to improve his game and do what we ask and last night he was pretty darn good for us.”

Lonzo on him and LeBron James both recording their second triple-double at just 20 years and 23 days old: “Pretty cool, LeBron is the best player in the world right now so being compared to him is just a blessing.”

Lonzo on Magic Johnson’s seven triple-doubles his rookie year: “Hopefully, I’ll beat that record.”

Lonzo on whether the media attention is a bit more than he was anticipating: “Yeah it kinda ramped up, UCLA is a lot different than the NBA, definitely, it amplified, but it’s cool talking to y’all.”

Notes

– Lonzo did not hear from Magic after his second triple-double
– Lonzo said that he was forced to rebound at a young age, since he was always taller than his brothers, so it’s always been ingrained in his game
– Lonzo said another reason he loves to rebound is because he doesn’t have to wait for the big to get him the ball, so he can start their offense quicker
– Walton said their game against Denver was the best they’ve played this season in terms of moving and sharing the ball (said they had 338 total passes)

WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION? CHECK OUT THE NEW LAKERSNATION FORUM CLUB

You May Also Like

Lakers Injury Update: X-Rays On Lonzo Ball’s Ankle Negative, Plans To Play Vs. Pacers

In the 117-85 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Lonzo Ball suffered an ankle sprain late in the second quarter and immediately headed back to the locker room. Although the…

Lakers News: Team Fires Head Coach Mike Brown

After a 1-4 start the Los Angeles Lakers announced that they have…

Shaquille O’Neal On Kobe Bryant’s Retirement, Lakers Free Agency

Once the 2015-16 NBA season officially comes to an end for the Los Angeles Lakers, it will mark the end of an era for the storied franchise…

Game Recap: Julius Randle’s Triple-Double Leads Lakers Shoot To Win Over Grizzlies

The Los Angeles Lakers opened the new year with a 123-114 loss to the Toronto Raptors on New Year’s Day…