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Lonzo Ball was supposed to revive the Los Angeles Lakers but something went wrong
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Lonzo Ball, picked second overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, came to the Los Angeles Lakers with a lot of potential: a local hero dubbed "the new face of the Lakers," known for his flashy assists, strong defense, and a confident style.
But what started as a bright future quickly turned into a sad story as injuries piled up, games were lost, and hope faded away. Instead of sparking excitement at Staples Center, it became a cautionary tale of unmet expectations—and unanswered questions.
How a dazzling draft-night dream spiraled into
Lakers draft history
regret
In 2017, the Lakers picked Lonzo Ball with the No. 2 pick, following two consecutive lottery selections, as they looked to him to shape their future with his diverse skill set.
He quickly made a name for himself, snagging Summer League MVP with some incredible triple-doubles—an exhilarating preview of what many expected to be a groundbreaking rookie season.
Unfortunately, Ball's rookie year was cut short by persistent shoulder and knee issues, limiting him to only 52 games. In his second season, he managed just 47 appearances as ankle and knee troubles continued to hold him back. His numbers—10.2 PPG, 7.2 APG, 6.9 RPG—were respectable, but for a No.
2 pick meant for greatness, it felt lacking.
By 2019, the Lakers were craving reliable help for LeBron James, so they made a bold move sending Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart in a major trade to acquire Anthony Davis. This deal redefined the Lakers' championship plan around a proven star—but it also meant sacrificing Ball's opportunity to thrive in purple and gold.
Once he left LA, Ball established a strong presence in New Orleans and Chicago, hitting his career highs before more knee surgeries put him on the sidelines for 1,006 days.
However, back in Los Angeles, he's still on ClutchPoints' list of the franchise's 10 most regrettable draft picks, not because he wasn't talented, but because he didn't achieve the superstar path that was anticipated in 2017.
The Lakers chapter of Lonzo Ball's career is filled with bright moments dimmed by the weight of expectations and injuries. Picked as a transformative player, he provided glimpses—spectacular assists, strong defense—but never fully realized his potential while in Los Angeles.
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The blockbuster trade for Davis definitely benefited the Lakers, but Ball's legacy is a tale of what might have been: a local talent whose potential faded before it could fully blossom, reminding everyone that even the most promising players can dim before their prime.
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