Earvin "Magic" Johnson got his share of criticism when he was at the helm of the Los Angeles Lakers. That included the decision to draft Lonzo Ball with the team's second overall pick back in 2017. Ball had a lot going for him, showing a lot of promise despite the rants from his dad LaVar.

However, the backlash came after the Lakers passed on several young players who performed better than the 21-year-old guard from UCLA. Among the names Johnson may have overlooked include Jayson Tatum, De'Aaron Fox, and Donovan Mitchell. Those cagers made an impact for their respective teams. Further, rumors were alleging that Johnson was not too thrilled about his pick in 2017.

Regardless, Johnson stood by his decision. He defended the decision to pick Ball and believes the 21-year-old guard will get his chance to shine with the New Orleans Pelicans. Johnson made these comments when he appeared on ESPN's First Take.

“The Pelicans will be one of the most entertaining teams in all of basketball because now you put Jrue Holiday with Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram. I mean, those guys are going to be running and gunning, and they’ve got a good coach," said the Lakers great.

Ball has shown glimpses of brilliance on the basketball court. The only thing that has been hindering him are injuries. In his rookie year, he missed the last eight games due to a knee contusion. Last season, he sat out the last 45 games for the Lakers on account of an ankle injury, the Los Angeles Times reported.

His durability will play a key role if he is to rise among the ranks with the Pelicans. Together with Jrue Holiday and this year's top rookie Zion Williamson, there is a reason to be excited about this youth-filled team. Experience may be lacking but the team does not fall short of firepower and talent. If Ball ends up spending more time in the sidelines, he could be moving to another team yet again.

Ball has a lot to improve on. His shooting leaves a lot to be desired although he makes up for it with good playmaking. At some point, picking up the scoring slack will be needed from the 6-foot-6 guard. Hopefully, this is one part of his game that he will work on before the 2019-20 season starts.

Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball may be out longer for the Los Angeles Lakers. Pictured: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 07, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. Getty Images/Ronald Martinez
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