Based on social media clips we've seen in recent weeks, it appears that Lonzo Ball will have an improved jump shot this season.The 20-year-old endured major struggles shooting the ball last year and was criticised for his unorthodox stroke.Ball shot just 36 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range, which are among the worst shooting numbers for a rookie in NBA history.But the point guard has been working on his mechanics over the summer and has shown off what looks to be a better-looking shot.Speaking at the Los Angeles Lakers media day on Monday, Ball claimed that getting stronger in the offseason allowed him to improve his jumper."Everybody is saying my jump shot [is] this new thing," Ball said, per ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "To me, it is not really changed a lot.

"I just think I got a lot stronger. So I ain't got to really fling the ball like I did last year. [The set point] moved a little bit more to the middle but it is still on the left side.

"But just trying to focus on my mechanics, keeping my hand up, keeping my elbow in more and just me being stronger, my upper body, it's just easier for me to get to the rim."

Expectations

Magic Johnson described the youngster's shot as "beautiful" and recently predicted that he's set for a breakout season.

Ball's new teammate LeBron James is also expecting big things from him.

"He's destined for greatness, I believe," James told ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "His basketball IQ, his ability to pass the ball, you get a sense from his teammates that they like playing with him."

The former UCLA product went into his debut season with huge expectations and hype surrounding him and he failed to truly live up to it.

Lonzo says he learned a lot from his struggles last year and is hoping to play with more confidence.

"Last year was full of ups and downs for me," Ball said. "I think just stay closer to the people that really care about you and stay true to the team are big things.

"And personal goals, my shot last year could have fixed a lot of things. I think if I was making shots, a lot of people wouldn't have a lot of things to say. That is pretty much the main thing.

"I think for me moving forward, a lot of it is just about confidence. Once you believe in yourself, you can pretty much do whatever you want in my opinion, so that is the main thing."

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