It’s not every day you hear someone from LA skip over Kobe Bryant in conversations about the game’s all-time best. To many NBA players, Kobe is either the GOAT or at least earns a spot on their Mount Rushmore of basketball greats. For Lonzo Ball, a native of Los Angeles, that’s not the case—a surprising stance, given his roots in the city where Kobe is practically a deity.

On Unapologetically Angel, Lonzo Ball stirred things up by leaving Kobe off his Mount Rushmore of NBA greats. While he named LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O’Neal, he debated between Magic Johnson and Steph Curry for the final spot, rejecting Kobe when Angel Reese suggested him.

You already know how this must have ticked off players, legends, fans, and everyone you can think of. The GameTime crew on NBA TV was no different. Isiah Thomas and Vince Carter didn’t mince their words.

“Ironic, considering how Lonzo Paul plays in a style, it would be like Magic. I mean no no and no. I love Steph Curry. Yes, he’s the greatest shooter ever, but as a basketball player, Magic Johnson beats him in every other category except shooting. Now, if you ain’t talking about magic as the best friend guard to ever play the game, I’m going to talk to your daddy because I know your daddy ain’t agreeing with what you saying right now,” said Thomas.

I mean, you can’t disrespect the NBA legends and expect to get away with it. People are going to come after you!

Thomas was also annoyed with how the younger generation writes off championships. Kobe had 5, one more than LeBron and Curry. That’s not something you can rule according to Isiah. Carter justified why Kobe has the most missed shots. “Well, he had an ultra-green light, and I had to. I was I had the pleasure of guarding that man, and whenever he felt like it had the urge to shoot it, he’s gonna shoot it. So that’s just my thing to it,” he explained.

While he can discuss who ends up on his NBA Mt. Rushmore, what about him? Where will he end up?

Could Lonzo Ball and LaMelo Ball unite in the NBA?

The Ball brothers have always been in the spotlight, and with both Lonzo and LaMelo healthy and back in action, the idea of a reunion is sparking some serious buzz. These two Los Angeles natives were top-three picks in their respective drafts and have been on basketball fans’ radars since their high school days at Chino Hills. But now that they’re both firmly in the NBA, could the pair of point guards end up together again?

Lonzo’s return after missing two seasons due to knee issues is off to a solid start with the Chicago Bulls. Meanwhile, LaMelo, despite the Hornets‘ struggles, is playing at an elite level, averaging 31.1 points per game. But LaMelo can’t do it all himself—Charlotte’s 6-14 record shows that the team needs help.

Enter trade rumors. The Bulls are reportedly looking to move players, including Lonzo, in a bid to rebuild their roster. NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed Chicago is open to trading key pieces like Zach LaVine, Vucevic, and Ball ahead of the February deadline.

This has sparked speculation about a possible reunion between the Ball brothers. Recently, LaMelo posted a photo of him and Lonzo with the caption, “I knew this day would come,” and their dad, LaVar, was caught on camera saying, “Help is coming.”

If the Hornets make a move for Lonzo, the goal would likely be to re-sign him. His defense, playmaking, and spacing could be exactly what LaMelo needs to take Charlotte to the next level. Wouldn’t that be something to watch? But his injury history is a reason for concern.