Lonzo Ball

Ball is an American point guard whose NBA career has been marked by elite passing, defensive versatility, and significant injury setbacks. Drafted second overall in 2017, he spent two seasons with the Lakers before a trade to New Orleans and later signed with Chicago. His ability to push the tempo, find open teammates, and defend multiple positions has been periodically interrupted by knee and ankle issues that have limited his availability.

Born Lonzo Anderson Ball on October 27, 1997, in Anaheim, California, he attended Chino Hills High School, where he played alongside his brothers LiAngelo and LaMelo. As a senior in 2016, he was awarded multiple national high school player of the year honors and led Chino Hills to an undefeated 35-0 record and the consensus national top ranking.

Ball played one season at UCLA, where he led the nation in assists and broke the Bruins single-season assist record. He earned consensus first-team All-American honors and won the Wayman Tisdale Award as the nation's top freshman. After the season, he declared for the 2017 NBA draft and was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers.

As a Lakers rookie, Ball made the NBA All-Rookie Second Team but saw his playing time limited by shoulder and knee injuries. He was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in 2019 as part of the Anthony Davis deal. In New Orleans, he expanded his offensive game, improving as a three-point shooter while maintaining his passing and defensive impact. He later signed with the Chicago Bulls, where he suffered a significant knee injury that required multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation.

Ball is a pass-first point guard with elite court vision and a willingness to push the ball in transition. Defensively, he uses his size and instincts to guard multiple positions and generate steals. His jump shot has been a persistent weakness, though he showed improvement in New Orleans. When healthy, he functions as a pace-setter and connector who elevates teammates through quick decisions and full-court passing.