Lakers reportedly frustrated with Lonzo Ball’s sometimes passive play

For once, a criticism of Lonzo Ball may not have to do with his father’s antics.

Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report reported in a feature this week that the Los Angeles Lakers are frustrated about Ball being passive on offense.

Per Bucher:

Part of Lonzo’s problem stems from his sometimes passive play, which has been striking considering his role as the team’s primary playmaker. If the Lakers are disturbed about anything in regard to Lonzo, it’s that, sources say.

Ball, who is currently out with a knee sprain, obviously does a lot of good for the Lakers despite being a rookie. His combination of size and innate passing ability is a total game-changer, his defense has been excellent, and the team remains horrific (1-8 on the year) when he does not play. However, Ball can sometimes fall into stretches where he is looking more so to simply get rid of the ball rather than to attack the basket or to seek out his own shot (see: 11.1 field goal attempts and a meager 1.4 free throw attempts a game this season).

Even some opponents have roasted Lonzo over his offensive deficiencies, but the good news is that aggressiveness can develop over time in the NBA, even if it is not quite always there yet for a first-year player.