Summary

The web content discusses Lonzo Ball's impressive performance in the Summer League, his impact on the Lakers, and the media scrutiny he faces, while also playfully presenting a Bon Jovi remix in his honor.

Abstract

The article "It’s My Dime," part of a Lakers-Bon Jovi trilogy, provides an analysis of Lonzo Ball's recent Summer League games, highlighting his first triple-double and his ability to elevate the play of his teammates. Despite criticism after a poor shooting night, Ball's basketball IQ and transition play have drawn comparisons to the Warriors' style and earned him praise for being a "transcendent" player. The author acknowledges Ball's areas for improvement, such as half-court offense and on-ball defense, but emphasizes his unique ability to make his teammates better. The piece also touches on the distraction of Lonzo's father, Lavar Ball, and concludes with a humorous Bon Jovi remix celebrating Lonzo's potential to lead the Lakers to future success.

Opinions

The author believes that Lonzo Ball's basketball IQ and transition play are exceptional, making the Lakers resemble the Warriors during those moments.
There is a recognition that while Lonzo Ball is not yet a polished player, particularly in the half-court set and on defense, his potential is significant and justifies the use of the term "transcendent."
The article suggests that Lonzo's ability to improve the performance of his teammates is a rare quality, especially for a 19-year-old rookie.
The author expresses frustration with the media microscope on Lonzo Ball, comparing it to the attention LeBron James received early in his career.
Lavar Ball's presence and comments are seen as a negative aspect that could potentially overshadow Lonzo's achievements.
The remixed Bon Jovi lyrics serve as a lighthearted tribute to Lonzo Ball's role in revitalizing the Lakers and as a nod to the team's loyal fanbase.

It’s My Dime

Part 3 of the Lakers-Bon Jovi trilogy

Summer League just started for the Lakers, and the drama, histrionics and hot takes after the first game were unbelievable, with haters destroying Lonzo Ball for a horrible shooting night. Unlike them, I actually watched the game and was amazed by his basketball IQ.

Last night, Lonzo made some adjustments and posted his first triple-double.

He also had 2 steals, 1 block and a number of other defensive help plays. And for one day, he shut up all the haters. But every move this kid makes is under perhaps the hottest media microscope since LeBron James, because he’s on one of the most hated teams in the NBA, and because of his father.

I know it only represented a small portion of the overall game, but when he got out in transition, he made the Lakers look like the Warriors. His passing inspired other players to begin making the extra pass that resulted in layups and dunks. When he wasn’t leading the offense in transition, the Lakers looked like an average team. And when he was on the bench, they looked like the Nets.

Ball advanced the ball up the floor so fast, he created quasi-fast break opportunities even after the other team scored and he had to wait for the inbound pass.

Now, I’m not annointing him as the next Jason Kidd by any means. He still needs a lot of work in the half court offense, and how to play off the ball. He will also have to become a much better on-ball defender when matched up against quick point guards. But there is something there, something that merits the use of the word “transcendent” being thrown around by GM Rob Pelinka.

This kid makes the players around him better.

And that is a rare quality that you won’t find in many NBA All-Stars, let alone 19-year-old rookies.

Lonzo is driving 38.1 miles from Chino Hills to Staples Center, but is it far enough to get away from Lavar and become his own man? The huge downside to Ball is having to watch his father get screen time at every game. Make sure you’re quick with the mute button, and the games will be a whole lot more enjoyable to watch.

In honor of the Lakers’ new hope, we proudly present another Bon Jovi remix.

I hope all my fan (not a typo) will appreciate this. You know who you are, Gutbloom. Sung to the tune of Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life”:

This ain’t a song ‘bout a broken jump shot No silent prayer for that last play-off spot I ain’t gonna be just a face in the crowd No need to hear my voice When Dad shouts it so loud

It’s my dime Be quick, don’t hurry Wooden said that champs don’t worry I just want to play like it’s Show Time (It’s my dime) The Staples court is there in plain sight Luke Walton said “you got the green light” I just want to play like it’s Show Time It’s my dime

This is for the fans who stood their ground For Magic and Jeanie who never backed down Next season’s getting harder, make no mistake The draft ain’t enough You’ve got to make your fast breaks

It’s my dime no need to worry if I ever shoot like Curry I just want to play like it’s Show Time (It’s my dime) Cuz Larry Nance can dunk so pretty Like Jeanie said Forget Lob City I just want to play like it’s Show Time It’s my dime

You better stand tall when the Celts are in town Don’t bend, don’t break, baby, don’t back down

It’s my dime

I love to feed ‘em Just share the rock, that’s how you lead ‘em I just want to play like it’s Show Time (It’s my dime) I’ll pay my dues and show good manners Someday we’ll raise Another banner! I just want to play like it’s Show Time (It’s my dime)

And I got reasons This has gotta be the season I just want to play like it’s Show Time (It’s my dime) Magic says just fight for your dream Next season we get PG-13!* Then we gonna play like it’s Show Time (It’s my dime)

See Part 1, “Laker’s on a Prayer” here:

undefined

See Part 2, “You Give Hoops a Bad Name” here:

You Give Hoops a Bad Name

An Ode to Jimmy Buss

medium.com

*Original lyric had to be changed when Westbrook signed a long term contract with OKC:

Magic says just fight and hustle Next season we get Paul and Russell!*