Lonzo Ball’s second showing was much better in Summer League, but not even a triple-double could save the Los Angeles Lakers from their pathetic defense as they fall to the Boston Celtics 86-81 in Las Vegas on Saturday evening.
Let’s be clear, the Lakers will make the playoffs this season. They will learn not to put in a terrible effort on defense. I know they only have rookies and second year players on the summer league squad, however, I want to see the team play harder on defense. The turnovers are also a major red flag right now. I fully expect these things to be rectified by the start of the regular season.
Lonzo is the epitome of a transcendent talent and smarts. It rubs off on the rest of the team. I thought offensively the team played well, like the Houston Rockets. Defensively, there is no NBA comparison as to how bad they played these first two games. As far as the turnovers go, I’d like to see fewer mental mistakes on offense.
Finally, Coaching: A good coach tries to instill confidence whether through reverse psychology or any other method, but knows the Xs and Os on both ends of the floor.
The majority of NBA fans want to see the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs. We are patiently waiting.