Use his Height More against Smaller Guards

Lonzo Ball is not going to make his money bowling through people like James or James Harden. He has a slimmer build as a lanky, rangy guard that is a long-strider. As was mentioned before, Ball is a pass-first player. He has great instincts. That being said, with his 6’6″ height, he can see cutters over the top of smaller defenders. He can often throw laser passes in tight windows as a result. He’s a really good rebounder for a guard (as evidenced by his 6.9 per game), and he already burst on to the scene as an impact defender on the perimeter and helping inside.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eslDTPGVqdI

Ball had 1.7 steals and 0.8 blocks per game, which is really impressive for a rookie. A guard getting 43 blocks in his first 52 games played is incredible. Only two point guards rated better in ESPN’s Real Defensive Plus-Minus metric last season. On the offensive end, however, it would be good for Ball to be able to use his height more.

With Rondo, James, Stephenson, and Ingram doing some playmaking, he’ll have some chances to take smaller defenders off the bounce after rotations. With above-the-rim ability in transition for lobs, Ball should be able to make some things happen more frequently.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeBWj1Gew5k

In addition, if he can rise up and hit floaters more consistently, or develop a subtle hook, that could be solid use of his 6’9″ wingspan length to counter his great passing vision and decent step back jumper. That’s something that would make his tendencies less noticeable.

Lonzo Ball has already shown he’s got it between the ears for the Los Angeles Lakers. He just needs the rest of his body to follow suit a bit more.