NBA Trade Rumors: 5 teams that should target Lonzo Ball
By Liam Clark
LA Clippers
No, not the LA team that drafted the youngster (that ship has sailed long ago). The better fit for Ball is the LA Clippers if he makes a return to LA. And the Clippers need him more than the Lakers do.
While Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are capable of doing playmaking duties, having an established playmaker on the team running the point guard position would allow Leonard and George to play off the ball.
Ball would be able to utilize George’s ability to catch-and-shoot, which he displayed perfectly while playing in Oklahoma City with Russell Westbrook. Ball’s defensive mindset would also come in handy and will help the Clippers on that end when Patrick Beverley, George, and Leonard are sitting.
Lou Williams would likely be the casualty of a potential deal between the two teams. Even though he was an excellent offensive anchor off the bench, his defensive abilities leave a lot to be desired. Ball would fill that void and still has room to develop his game to become an offensive spark plug off the bench as well.
Williams’s game has also declined since Rivers left as head coach and Tyronn Lue took over. This change likely affected Williams, who could either look for a fresh start in New Orleans or get bought out and join a contender.
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This is a win/win scenario for both the Clippers and Lonzo Ball, as the team is looking to win-now, and trading for someone who fits their needs like Lonzo Ball is a definite step in the right direction for the team looking to be the best team in Los Angeles. Ball would also benefit as a primary ball-handler either for the second unit or amongst the starters and could potentially flourish under coach Lue.