In an interview with radio host Dan Patrick, Los Angeles Lakers coach Luke Walton said the organization would talk to UCLA Basketball coach Steve Alford about LaVar Ball.
if you run a multi-championship franchise like the Los Angels Lakers and are trying to rebuild after several losing seasons, you will probably be cautious with your opportunities to improve heading into the future. That is the case with L.A. as they are preparing to select a player with the #2 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Why is that? Because the Lakers are interested in drafting former UCLA Basketball freshman phenom Lonzo Ball.
So what is the problem? Well, it’s more about Lonzo’s assault chopper parent, LaVar Ball (get it? “Helicopter parent”? Assault chopper? Nevermind).
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Chances are you have heard of LaVar Ball and chances are you have raised your eyebrow at some of his comments.
From saying UCLA will win a national championship (they didn’t) to saying he could beat Michael Jordan (he couldn’t) to saying Lonzo is better than Steph Curry (he’s not… yet) to blaming UCLA’s “white guys” for not winning a championship, LaVar has become a Kardashian of the basketball world.
Aside from the “white guys” comment, LaVar recently made more uncomfortable comments when he clashed with Kristine Leahy, a reporter for “The Herd with Colin Cowherd”. The biggest cringe-worthy moment was when he was asked about creating women’s apparel for his Big Baller Brand
company and stated that it is not a women’s company.
Because of these statements like these, Walton told Dan Patrick that the Lakers would reach out to UCLA Basketball Head Coach Steve Alford about the elder Ball’s involvement with the team.
Good move.
Luke Walton says @Lakers will contact Steve Alford to ask questions about LaVar Ball https://t.co/fl18vLPgVx pic.twitter.com/1QseU8StTX
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) May 19, 2017
Thoguh LaVar’s comments started out harmless and laughable since he has been given the spotlight, his statements have grown more (what some might perceive as) dangerous. With hints of racism and sexism and no sign of slowing down, LaVar Ball could be a huge headache for the Lakers if they decide to draft Lonzo.
And that is the unfortunate thing. If LaVar never opened his mouth, there is no doubt the Lakers would select Lonzo in a heartbeat. He was instrumental in reviving a losing UCLA Basketball team and taking them to the Sweet 16, all the while being a very humble player.
Next: With the #2 pick, Lonzo Ball could go to the Lakers
But LaVar is unavoidable and unfortunately, if the Lakers draft Lonzo, they also draft LaVar. Is that a gamble L.A. want some to take?