LaMelo and Lonzo Ball are two of the most intriguing up-and-coming stars in the NBA today.
On Friday evening, the pair will square off in their first ever professional head-to-head duel when the Charlotte Hornets take on the New Orleans Pelicans.
Ahead of the big match-up, Lonzo was asked how he felt about going against his little brother.
@ZO2_ on facing his brother LaMelo tomorrow #WontBowDown pic.twitter.com/jmh4GX8GsP
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 7, 2021
“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” he said.
“It’s our first time matching up in a real game, but I think it’s going to be an opportunity to just get back on track. We’ve lost the last two so we want to turn it around.”
Above all else, Lonzo just wants to secure the W for his ballclub.
“It’s just about getting the win. It’ll be cool seeing him out there and everything but he’s going to do what he can for his team and I’m going to do what I can for my team and go from there.”
LaMelo, the third overall selection in the 2020 NBA Draft, is averaging 12.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists through his first eight games.
The Bucks owner’s daughter decided to bring 2021 in with a bang by stripping all her clothes off. https://t.co/UgzhEEna4o
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 7, 2021
Lonzo, meanwhile, is averaging 13.4 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
Because free agency looms after this season, Lonzo is obviously consistently under more pressure to perform well than his brother. That said, coming out with a strong showing in this one will probably be pretty sweet, especially from a bragging rights perspective.
The Hornets and Pelicans will tip off Friday at 4:30 pm PT on ESPN.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
