UCLA Basketball: Lonzo Ball not Laker-bound?
Over the weekend, a rumor emerged that the Los Angeles Lakers might pass up on former UCLA Basketball player Lonzo Ball, which could push him over to the Philadelphia 76ers.
For quite a while it seemed like the stars were aligning for soon-to-be NBA pro Lonzo Ball. The Chino Hills product who had played one year with the UCLA Basketball team before declaring for the 2017 NBA Draft and will no doubt go early.
Since the end of the Bruins’ season, it has come out of Ball’s camp that Lonzo would love to be selected by the Los Angeles Lakers. Executives with the Lakers have also expressed interest in drafting Ball.
Last month, it appeared as though Lonzo-to-the-Lakers could be a real possibility after L.A. secured the no. 2 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
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Things were aligning and it seemed Lonzo was no doubt going to be a Laker, especially since Ball and his father, LaVar Ball, stated that Lonzo would only work out for the Lakers and even clarified that they would not workout for the Boston Celtics, the team with the no. 1 pick.
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Still, nothing has been set in stone and NBA team’s agendas are changing everyday. Because of that, Lonzo-to-L.A. could unravel before the Big Baller’s eyes.
We already covered what could happen if Lonzo does not go to the Lakers, but now it seems that the Lakers could be having second thoughts about Lonzo.
Over the weekend, columnist Jordan Schultz tweeted out that the Lakers could pass on Lonzo because they are unsure of his star potential along with the fact that his boisterous father is a big concern.
First off, Lonzo is going to do great things. If anything, the Lakers should be excited by what Lonzo can do. With the ball, off the ball, shooting and defense are all strong qualities Ball possess, so there should be no question about what he can do on the court.
The second concern is a valid one as LaVar Ball has been a menace of sorts in trying to promote his son. LaVar does not actually have to do a lot to get people to notice his son, but the father’s many inflammatory comments have hurt his son’s stock with many.
Per source, the #Lakers would pass on Lonzo Ball if #nbadraft was today. Team isn't convinced he's a star and remains concerned about LaVar.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 3, 2017
My top 5 Predictions
— KPJ (@KevinParrishJr) June 4, 2017
1. Boston-Markelle Fultz
2. Lakers-De'Aaron Fox
3. 76ers-Lonzo Ball
4. Suns- Josh Jackson
5. Kings- Jason Tatum
Next: Lonzo Ball is a human highlight reel
Just last week it was revealed that LaVar, not Lonzo, shot down a 5-year $10 million deal with Nike. With LaVar meddling in his son’s affairs, it is doubtful that he will calm down once he gets to the Lakers NBA. In fact it could get worse. So if it is true that LaVar is the reason that Lonzo does not go to the Lakers, LaVar is going to have a wake up call. But most likely he will blame everyone expect himself.