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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 27: Lonzo Ball (2) of the Los Angeles Lakers walks into the arena to warm up before the first half between the Lakers and the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, November 27, 2018. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
via Getty
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 27: Lonzo Ball (2) of the Los Angeles Lakers walks into the arena to warm up before the first half between the Lakers and the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, November 27, 2018. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
The term ‘bust’ is thrown around all too casually. However, what truly defines a bust? Is it a failure to meet expectations? Or, as is the case with Lonzo Ball, just sheer bad injury luck. While there have certainly been cases of players underperforming, the injury bug has gotten to the careers of many promising players.
We are all familiar with Lonzo Ball’s story. As his father shouted from the rooftops, the NBA world was enamored. And soon, he became a strong starting point guard with good shooting to go along with his amazing IQ and defense. But, as fairytales often do, Ball’s story came crashing to a halt.
Is Lonzo Ball’s Career Over? Whose fault is it?
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Lonzo Ball played his last basketball game on the 14th of January, 2021. That was more than two years ago. Since then, the star has spent all his time on the sidelines. While the NBA world awaited some positive news, the latest development is far from good.
via Getty
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 27: Lonzo Ball (2) of the Los Angeles Lakers walks into the arena to warm up before the first half between the Lakers and the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, November 27, 2018. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
With news breaking in that Chicago Bulls’ management feared that Zo’s playing days were over, the blame game has already begun. There have been speculations about a number of potential reasons, with bad management, dirty plays, etc. all making the rounds. However, the most interesting piece of coverage came from respected basketball analyst Doug Gottlieb.
Lakers believe his initial injury, was caused by his shoes. BBB were complete trash, no R&D like Nikes, just thrown together. Sad, because Zo can really play https://t.co/CxFHyKdx2Q
— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) May 28, 2023
The story of the Big Baller Brand is well-known. Whether it was LaVar Ball making unconfirmed claims, or the long ongoing legal battle between Lonzo and co-founder, Alan Foster, the company hasn’t been away from the media eye for long.
However, any publicity isn’t always good publicity. While the brand has tried to clear its name and even tried a relaunch, these concerns from a Lakers team that nurtured Zo’s early career might prove to be the final straw.
“What can’t Lonzo Ball do?“: Paul George is a big Ball fan
Recently on his podcast, Paul George claimed that Lonzo Ball was the most talented PG in the league. Alluding to his all-around talent, PG said, “What can’t Lonzo do? He can guard, he can shoot, he can play make, his IQ, he can rebound great for his position“.
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We all hope that Lonzo makes a full recovery, none more so than the Bulls who have been wholly mediocre since Zo went down. With his immense talent, he can still impact the game at a high level. And we know, PG will be looking forward to seeing him out on the floor. Let’s hope that this time Zo decides to hoop in Nikes. Who do you have as your best point guard in the league?
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