NBA executives reveal the perfect, and possibly only, solution to LaVar Ball
Family dynamics are always tricky, specifically when it’s between father and son.
There comes a time in every boy’s life when he needs to stand up for himself, and show his father that he is, indeed a man.
Several NBA executives told Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher that now is the time for Lonzo Ball to quiet the storm that is his father, LaVar.
We know that LaVar Ball has opinions on, well, everything, and last week’s comments to ESPN about the Lakers not wanting to play for coach Luke Walton created another Ball firestorm.
One team vice president says one simple statement would do Lonzo Ball a world of good.
“The kid could stop all of it,” the unnamed executive said. “All he has to say to the media is, ‘He doesn’t speak for me. If you want to talk about the Lakers, speak to me, don’t speak to my dad.'”
Doesn’t seem too complicated, does it?
Ball has certainly had an up-and-down rookie campaign. One Eastern Conference general manager tells Bucher that for the point guard to reach his potential, he’s going to have to separate himself from his father’s rhetoric.
“If the kid is ever going to be a real player that is taken seriously, he will have to put his dad on ice,” the GM said. “My guess is it will take a number of years before that happens.”
Or, as another GM asked, “How different would [Lonzo’s] path be if he wasn’t having to put up with this bulls–t?”
The whole “World According to LaVar” narrative has gotten old quickly within NBA circles. Many have criticized Lakers president Magic Johnson for not reigning in LaVar Ball, especially as he criticizes the team.
But, as the second overall pick in the NBA draft, the Lakers have a lot invested in Lonzo Ball’s success.
With that investment comes more leeway, according to a Western Conference executive.
“Are you more valuable than your problems?” the executive said. “With Lonzo, he’s probably more valuable. … The more narrow the gap in talent, the more you look at other factors. If a guy is a late first-round pick, are you willing to take on the same problems? Probably not.”
The Lakers are playing their best basketball of the season, with four straight wins, heading into Monday’s matchup with the Grizzlies in Memphis.
Minor left knee sprain for Lonzo… LAL really struggled without him (0-6), and he’s keyed the 4-game winning streak. https://t.co/PInb25Febr
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 15, 2018
Ball, who just returned after missing six games with a shoulder injury, is dealing with a sprained left knee. He’s questionable for Monday’s game.
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