When Lonzo Ball made his debut for the Chicago Bulls, many aspects of his game attracted attention, especially his distinctive shooting form. Despite criticism for its unconventional appearance, his shooting style delivered results and remained a key part of his game. Fans were drawn to Lonzo not just because of his own skills but also due to the reputation his father, LaVar Ball, and his brothers had built in basketball circles.
Lonzo openly discussed his shooting form on his What an Experience podcast, explaining that although it seemed strange, he had invested significant time refining it. For him, effectiveness on the court was more important than aesthetics.
How Watching Kevin Durant Influenced Lonzo’s Shooting Approach
During a preseason tour in Australia, college coaches encouraged Lonzo to adjust his shooting mechanics. However, Lonzo struggled to make shots unless he reverted to his original style. He credited watching Kevin Durant’s college performances as a major influence on his shot development.
Regarding his unorthodox style that involved pulling the ball from the left side of his face, Lonzo stated,
“Bruh, I swear, I started watching KD, bro, at Texas. And like he was bringing that b**** up, and my s*** got hella far, but that was what really started.”
This inspiration from Durant helped Lonzo define a style that worked for him, even if it looked unusual from a traditional perspective.
The Role of Fred Vinson in Refining Lonzo’s Jumper
Lonzo praised Fred Vinson as the best shooting coach he has worked with, highlighting the significant improvements they achieved together while Lonzo played for the New Orleans Pelicans. Their work resulted in a more consistent jumper, and after joining the Bulls, Lonzo shot a career-high 42.3% from three-point range in the 2021-22 NBA season.
On the impact Vinson had on his game, Lonzo remarked,
“I mean my s*** got changed because of Fred Vinson, Shoutout to Fred man, best shooting coach I ever had man, for sure,”
Nevertheless, after entering the NBA and working with other shooting coaches, Lonzo gradually adjusted his shot into a more conventional and aesthetically pleasing form.
Challenges and Confidence Issues Affecting Lonzo’s Efficiency
Despite improvements in form, Lonzo’s shooting efficiency dropped from 41% during his only collegiate season at UCLA to an average of 36% throughout his NBA career. This decline reflects the higher difficulty of shots at the professional level, as well as Lonzo’s confidence struggles.
He emphasized the mental aspect by saying,
“But I don’t think it was nothing about my shot, it was more like confidence, I felt like, you know?”
The combination of tougher competition and self-doubt has influenced his on-court performance.
Looking Ahead: Lonzo’s Comeback and New Chapter with the Cleveland Cavaliers
After missing two seasons because of persistent knee injuries, Lonzo returned to the Bulls last year, showing flashes of his earlier form. Recently traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, he aims to contribute meaningfully as the team seeks its first appearance in the NBA Finals since 2018. His experience and improved shooting could provide the Cavaliers with the boost necessary to advance deep into the playoffs.