The Numbers Game
Ball addressed his shooting struggles directly specifically the 25% field goal percentage that’s become a lightning rod for criticism.
“People are like, ‘Oh, he’s shooting 25%,’ and it’s like, let’s take those percentages and talk about what that is. That’s four shots a game, and I’m making one. Shitty.
His math is technically correct. Four shots, even at 25%, don’t decide games. But the argument ignores the broader context: Ball’s role has diminished because teams no longer trust him to take more than four shots.
A Career in Freefall
The Los Angeles Lakers selected him second overall in 2017. He showed promise real promise especially during his stint with the New Orleans Pelicans, where he averaged career highs of 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in the 2020-21 season.
His first season with the Chicago Bulls was solid. But recurring knee issues robbed him of explosiveness, availability, and ultimately, value. The Bulls traded him to Cleveland last offseason.
The Defense
Ball’s podcast comments attempt to reframe the narrative. He’s not denying he’s struggling. He’s denying that he’s the reason his teams are struggling.
The distinction matters to him. “Playing badly” suggests systemic failure defensive lapses, poor decisions, negative impact beyond shooting. “Missing shots” suggests bad luck, a slump, something that can be corrected with time and repetition.
What Comes Next
Ball remains unsigned. The Warriors and Nuggets have been mentioned as potential landing spots, but neither has pulled the trigger. At 28, he should be in his prime. Instead, he’s fighting for his NBA life.
Maybe he’s right. Maybe the criticism has been disproportionate. But in the NBA, perception is reality. And right now, the perception of Lonzo Ball is that he’s no longer a difference-maker.
Changing that perception will require more than podcast explanations. It will require a team willing to take a chance, minutes to prove himself, and shots that actually start falling.
