Lonzo Ball’s Father Says He Was Happy When Lakers Traded Him Away

The Los Angeles Lakers during the 2019 off-season traded Lonzo Ball along with others and brought in Anthony Davis. The Lakers went on to win a championship while Ball got more minutes and progressed into a quality player.

Lonzo’s father, LaVar Ball, in his recent appearance at Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay said that he was thrilled when his son was traded to the Pelicans.

LaVar said, “I was happy as a big baller in a doughnut shop. I don’t care about where they play it’s about the situation they have. You’re in this field where you are traveling all the time, so home ain’t no big deal. You are playing 40 games on the road and 40 games at home, that’s fine. It doesn’t matter where you stay. You gotta be in a place where the coach is behind you… and believes in you.”

Ball also claimed that if Magic Johnson was the coach, he would have kept Lonzo. He said, “If Magic was the coach Lonzo would have still been there on the fact that he had so much belief in Lonzo, but he had no say so. I would rather have Lonzo be tutored by the coldest point guard to ever play the game, which is Magic. Now you have a guy who is the ultimate pro, and that’s why I say Magic is perfect.”

LaVar also took a dig at former Lakers’ coach Luke Walton. He said, “Luke Walton ain’t no point guard he was a small forward. And because you play with some other players doesn’t make you a good coach and just because your last name is Walton doesn’t mean you a good coach. Don’t get mad at me. He’s a good guy but not a good coach.”

What does the future hold for Lonzo Ball?

Lonzo Ball was drafted as the 2nd overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. Ball’s career so far hasn’t panned out to be exceptional by any standards, unlike other players from his draft class.

Lonzo‘s strength has been his passing and playmaking ability. With the Lakers already adding superstars, Lonzo would have been limited to a bench role only.

In New Orleans, he is playing more minutes per match and till now has been showing flashes of brilliance. With scorers like Ingram and Zion on the side, Lonzo’s playmaking ability will be very helpful.

Ball will be expected to step up. He averaged 11.8 points, 7 assists and 6.1 rebounds. If he wants to be a part of the big three in the Pelicans, he has to step up or he will again become a role player.

There is no doubting the ability of Lonzo Ball as a player. He has all the tools to cement his name as the third star in New Orleans, but he will have to step up his game.