LOS ANGELES_When Lonzo Ball played at UCLA he often shot three-pointers from well beyond the three-point line.
So the NBA range hasn't been that intimidating for him, but Ball's shooting has struggled nonetheless.
"I've been shooting it far my whole life," Ball said. "I think it's just in my head. Gotta keep working."
Ball is shooting 29.9 percent from the field, which ranks last among rookies who average at least two shots per game and at least 20 minutes per game. His three-point shooting is worse at 23.4 percent, the worst among rookies who fit that criteria.
He has vowed to keep shooting through the struggles, but Ball took only two shots against the Portland Trail Blazers last week. The next two games, though, were more typical of Ball's first month in the NBA. He made three of 15 against the Brooklyn Nets and three of 13 against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Lakers coach Luke Walton believes Ball's shooting will improve, but he isn't sure when.
"Hopefully soon; hopefully in Boston it will turn around," Walton said. "But I know that he's out here working. I know that he's been a good shooter his whole life. I've seen him make 10 straight spot shooting. He's got the skill and the ability. It will only be a matter of time when that percentage starts to go up."
If his college career was any indication, things should get better. Ball made 55 percent of his shots in college and 41 percent of his three-pointers. He has an unorthodox shooting motion, but Walton says he has no problem with it.
