A report surfaced on Wednesday that the Los Angeles Lakers are expected to "explore all options" as it pertains to Lonzo Ball and his injured left knee. Meaning, if there is any doubt about the severity of this injury, the Lakers intend to find out and if surgery is required, take the proper steps.
As was detailed by ESPN.com's Ohm Youngmisuk, Lakers' general manager Rob Pelinka told reporters Wednesday, the team expects Ball to be healthy and ready for the start of the 2018-19 regular season. But before then, they need to understand the depth of Ball's injury and how bad, or not bad it actually is. So too, if it needs attention, how the club should best fix it before games get underway.
This summer has been an interesting one for Lonzo Ball. While word of an injury was not new, his name was tossed around in trade rumors for Kawhi Leonard. There was also some belief around the Lakers' organization that Ball's representatives made it public knowledge he was dealing with an injury right around the time those trade rumors surfaced and all the while, the Lakers were working on landing LeBron James in free agency — a player more likely to lean on veteran assistance than developing prospects. Ball staying in LA had clear advantages for the young guard and the timing of his announced injury was interesting.
Furthermore, Ball's 2017-18 season was up and down. He missed the final eight games of his rookie season and his 10.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7.2 assists might not have been enough to warrant giving him the starting role. Factor in his .305 three-point percentage and the Lakers were concerned.
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It was this concern that led the team to seek out free agent Rajon Rondo on a one-year deal, come in and both mentor and shelter Ball's development. While that would be the ideal scenario in LA, some believe this is less about Ball's development and more about Rondo's ability to send a "message".
If Lonzo is not being upfront about his injury, or playing games with the Lakers future plans, Rondo should scare the young guard into getting with the program. So too, if Lonzo's injury is severe, get it looked after now allows Ball to try to win the starting point guard job upon his return.
If his "injury" was leaked or his production doesn't improve, when you consider the ever-present distraction that is LaVar Ball, Lonzo's stay in LA may be short-lived.