Lonzo Ball Opens Up About Friction With LaVar Ball
Lonzo Ball recently opened up about his relationship with LaVar Ball and how it has changed over the years.
At one point, LaVar was Lonzo’s main representation and the figure most closely associated with him.
Over the years that relationship has become very different.
Recently, Lonzo signed with agent Rich Paul of Klutch Sports and spoke with ESPN’s Malika Andrews about what went into that decision.
“I wanted to lead my career,” he said.
“Picking my own representation, just solely as my decision, was step one in that process. For me, it was an easy call, and it was the right time to make that call.”
Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball has signed with Rich Paul of Klutch Sports. “For me, it was an easy call and it was the right time to make that call.”
ESPN Story: https://t.co/IhRjENLDzu
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) September 14, 2020
At one point, Lonzo making a move of this magnitude seemed unimaginable. But he and his dad had a bit of a falling out following the collapse of Big Baller Brand, and although they are in a better place now, the relationship has taken on a different form.
“We had a couple rumblings here and there, but everything got squared away,” Lonzo said.
“When your son gets older, they’re going to butt heads with their dad, and that’s what I did for about a year and a half. But everything is cool now.”
Don’t worry everybody, Bronny is fine. https://t.co/1o3FyJgFZ2
— Game 7 (@game7__) November 5, 2020
As far as Lonzo is concerned, it is a natural progression.
“My dad put me in a position where I am comfortable making my own decisions now,” he added.
“I think coming into the league, he was very controlling of everything that was going on. But that was an 18-, 19-year-old kid. But now I am 22 years old with my own family. Seeing how he watched over me and stuff, it was time for him to finally let go of everything and watch me be my own man.”
Things are getting interesting. https://t.co/0Nn8DlLaxl
— Game 7 (@game7__) November 5, 2020
Lonzo is coming off his first season with the New Orleans Pelicans, after being traded by the Los Angeles Lakers as part of the Anthony Davis deal.
In 2019-20, the former UCLA star averaged 11.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.0 assists – all while being a better three-point shooter than Devin Booker.
Now finally out of his dad’s shadow and with an organization that can afford to have him grow into his role slowly, it will be interesting to see what Lonzo looks like when he comes back in 2020-21.
Related: James Harden Gets Very Honest About Rockets’ Failures, Future
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
