LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 02: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center on October 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
NBABy Matt Clapp on

It was no secret that Lonzo Ball had issues shooting the basketball coming out of UCLA, and it was expected he would struggle in that department in his rookie season for the Los Angeles Lakers. But just how terribly he’s shooting right now has to be a bit concerning to the Lakers’ brass (and it’s unlikely they would admit that, of course).

On the season, Ball is shooting 29.2% from the field, 22% from three-point range, and 50% at the charity stripe.

*No, Lonzo didn’t actually say that*

But this month, things have gotten even worse for Ball. The point guard is shooting 22.8% from the field (13-for-57), 12.5% on three-pointers (3-for-24), and 45.5% at the line (5-for-11) in November. In these five November games, Ball’s highest shooting percentage is 26.7%. He hasn’t shot at least 27% in a single game this month!

On Thursday night in the Lakers’ 111-95 loss to the Washington Wizards, Ball scored 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting on field goals, 1-of-7 shooting behind the arc, and 3-of-7 at the free throw line.

Yes, we’re talking about a 20-year-old rookie, but…

Yikes. And, again, it’s been much worse than that in November.

Now, Ball still brings a lot to the table even with the shooting woes. He had eight assists and eight rebounds on Thursday, for example. He’s a very good distributor and floor general, and averaging 6.4 rebounds at the point guard position is certainly a plus as well.

Ball doesn’t need to ever even be a “good” NBA shooter, but his shooting still needs to improve substantially to become the player the Lakers hoped they were getting with the No. 2 overall pick over the summer. It’s nowhere near panic time, but there’s absolutely cause for concern here.

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

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