Stephen Curry, a two-time NBA MVP, cautioned people not to jump to conclusions about Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball so early in his career.
“Hope you didn’t judge me off my first 20 games in the league either,” Curry said after Warriors’ practice Tuesday, a day before the Lakers host the Warriors.
Curry, who is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game because of a bruised right hand, said that Lonzo is going through typical growing pains that any young player experiences.
“He’s a rookie. he’s going through the ups and downs like every rookie has,” Curry said. “Whether you’re highly touted or not, it’s all a learning experience, and trying to find your way, and be comfortable. My perception is he’s working through that. I’ve always said I know he’s a great talent, and I think he loves to play basketball, so he’ll be able to fight through all of that and have a great career.”
Kevin Durant echoed his teammate’s assessment of Ball.
“What is he 19?” Durant asked. “That’s what any 19-year-old would go through in the pros. It’s just a matter of him being in LA, so much odds and scrutiny on him. He’s playing like he should be as far as learning the game and adjusting.”
Ball is averaging 8.7 points on 30.9 percent shooting from the field, and a woeful 24.5 percent shooting from beyond the 3-point line. He’s also averaging 7.1 assists and 7.3 rebounds a game.
The rookie’s shot has been under a lot of scrutiny, but Curry said at the end of the day, that’s all white noise.
“He’s not the first person who the peanut gallery wants to chime in and tell how to play the game,” Curry said. “At the end of the day, he’s made shots shooting like that before. I’m pretty sure he can figure out what that means in an NBA game. That’s for him to decide.”
Ball’s outspoken and often controversial father, LaVar, made headlines last year when he said that his son is better than Curry. He also said that if Curry swapped places with his son, who played for UCLA last season, the Bruins would be worse and the Warriors would be better.
When Curry was asked Tuesday whether those comments will give him any extra motivation in Wednesday’s game, he didn’t hesitate in his response.
“Nah, more comic relief for me,” Curry said. “I need that from time to time.”
