Lonzo Ball becomes youngest ever to notch triple double
Despite losing 98-90 at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, Lonzo Ball made NBA history for the Lakers as he became the youngest player in league history to net a triple double. The rookie facilitator usurped none other than four time Most Valuable Player, LeBron James, for the hallmark record.
Although he had a magnificent game for the Los Angeles Lakers, Ball came away frustrated as his team dropped their third straight game. Up to this point in the season, Lonzo had failed to shoot the ball well and play with any sort of efficiency. He set an NBA record, but it was hard to celebrate when his team struggled on the one night he made the most of his minutes.
Kyle Kuzma and Julius Randle continued to battle at the power forward position, but from reports around the league, it seems as if Randle’s days in LA are numbered. Kuzma is the second leading scorer in his rookie class and has emerged as a dark horse candidate for Rookie of the Year. Meanwhile, Randle has quietly put together the best season of his brief career, yet still finds himself on the outs.
Los Angeles has several talented pieces in place and their roster is dripping potential. While it may not seem like an issue, it’s impossible for young players to develop when they can’t find the court time necessary to grow. Many lessons can be learned from a healthy depth chart competition, but nothing compares to suiting up and making mistakes firsthand.
It’s easy to jump on the Lonzo Ball bandwagon after one good game, but it’s important to remember that the high profile rook is still shooting below 35 percent from the field and an even 25 percent from downtown. The triple double was a nice step in the right direction, but it’ll take more than one game to erase all of the bad ones.
I still believe that he can help lead the Lakers franchise to greener pastures down the road, but for now they’re on a collision course with the draft lottery. It’s hard to hear if your a Lakers fan, but adding another franchise cornerstone to trot out alongside Lonzo isn’t the worst outcome. Especially if that pick turns out to be Luka Doncic.
You may not have heard of the Slovenian sensation that’s taking over the EuroLeague, but come next year, he’ll be a household name. Roll your eyes all you want, I will gladly say I told you so when he takes the league by storm.
