WATCH: With LeBron watching on Lonzo Ball erupts for 36 points in Summer League win

Ron Clements

WATCH: With LeBron watching on Lonzo Ball erupts for 36 points in Summer League win image

The third time was the charm for Lonzo Ball.

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After struggling in his NBA Summer League debut, scoring just five points on 2-of-15 shooting, and sitting out a matchup against Kings rookie De'Aaron Fox because of a heavily scrutinized phantom groin injury, Ball broke out for his best game of the summer Wednesday night.

In front of LeBron James, who was a spectator for the Lakers' 103-102 comeback win over the 76ers in Las Vegas, Ball led the way with 36 points — going 12 of 22 from the floor, but 3 of 10 from 3-point range. He also had 11 assists and eight rebounds, though did tell ESPN he has to take better care of the ball after turning the ball over six times.


Ball said he didn't notice James in the crowd until the second half.

Wednesday's game was after Ball had a triple-double with 11 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in an 86-81 loss to the Celtics, and fellow rookie Jayson Tatum on Saturday. 

Though the Lakers rookie guard was impressive Wednesday, it was still just a Summer League game and was not without controversy. Ball ditched the Big Baller Brand shoe heavily promoted by his father, LaVar, and instead wore a pair of purple Nikes. 



 

Ball told reporters afterward he wanted to emulate former Lakers guard Kobe Bryant and embrace a "Mamba mentality."

"Just thought I'd switch it up," he said before later telling ESPN he had not yet heard from his dad. When they did talk, it was probably an interesting conversation. The Big Baller Brand did tweet  a photo of Ball in the Nikes, something also noticed by James.

 

Just. Do. It

A post shared by LeBron James (@kingjames) on

 

It's going to be a fun 2017-18 NBA season.

Ron Clements