1. Similar Style of Play to LeBron James
Signing King James to a four-year deal means that he will be in Los Angeles at least until the summer of 2021 if he decides to opt out. On the other side, the Lakers have a 2019 and 2020 player option on Ball. From a long-term perspective, it makes sense to trade Ball within the next year or so.
Trading Ball gives the Lake Show an opportunity to add a scoring point-guard to the lineup. Before signing with the Lakers this summer James was also pursued by the Philadelphia 76ers. Analysts, fans, and critics questioned how James and Ben Simmons could co-exist considering their similar style of play.
Over the summer LBJ indicated that he would be okay with playing off the ball. As good as that sounds no one knows what that looks like or if it will work. Throughout the 33-year-old’s career, he has always played with the ball in his hands.
Most of the time the former Cavalier brings the ball up the court in late game situations and throughout the night. Last season James averaged 6.7 minutes with the ball in his hand per possession. James also averaged 3.48 dribbles per touch during the 2017-18 season.
Comparatively, Ball averaged 5.2 minutes per possession last season in addition to 3.18 dribbles per touch last season. Subsequently, the two may not be able to play off one another considering Ball’s low percentage in shooting and the fact that the world has never seen James play off the ball. Los Angeles may not need to trade Ball in the near future but it’s something to consider.
Do you think the Lakers should trade Ball?
