Curry and Durant: Lonzo Ball Will Overcome Rookie Sturggles

Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have come to the defense of struggling Los Angeles Lakers rookie point guard Lonzo Ball.

“He’s a rookie,” Curry said of Ball after practice Tuesday. “He’s going through ups and downs like every rookie has. Whether you’re highly touted or not, it’s all a learning experience and you’re trying to find your way and be comfortable. …

“I’ve always said he’s a great talent. I think he loves to play basketball, so he’ll be able to fight through all that and have a great career. I hope you didn’t judge me off my first 20 games in the league.”

Ball, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft, is averaging 8.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 7.1 assists. However, because he has struggled mightily with his shooting — 30.9 percent from the field, 24.5 percent from 3-point range — he’s been heavily criticized.

“Lonzo is just playing like a rookie, as far as learning the game, finding the ins and outs of the game,” Durant said. “It’s slowing down for him. Picking and choosing his spots. He’s still figuring it out.

“He’s 19? That’s what any 19-year-old would go through in the pros. It’s just a matter of him being in L.A., where the eyes and scrutiny are on him. He’s playing like he should play as far as learning the game and adjusting on the fly.”

Source: Chris Haynes of ESPN