Lonzo Ball has only been on the Los Angeles Lakers for one season and his name has already been floating around in trade rumors. The Lakers have been pursuing Kawhi Leonard from the San Antonio Spurs to team up with LeBron James, and if that was completed it could require shipping Ball out.
It was reported right before free agency that Ball had suffered a torn meniscus at the end of last season. It seemed like an odd time for that type of news to come out, and Jalen Rose of ESPN has a theory about why. Rose thinks that Lonzo's camp is trying to put these reports out to diminish his trade value so that he can stay with the Lakers.
“This is obvious. Think about it – the kid grew up in California. All he ever wanted to do is be a Los Angeles Laker. His father wished it into existence.
“That's smart. He doesn't want to leave L.A. If you don't want to leave L.A., do all of the things that don't make people think you're an attractive commodity to bring to their team. Do the San Antonio Spurs want Lonzo Ball?
…. There are some people that felt like… because of [LaVar Ball] and what distraction he may be, we don't want [Lonzo]. That ain't 100 percent of the people. Now you put the injury thing out there. Now you put the diss record out there. Now that suppresses the market for people that actually want to bring you to their squad.”
It is an interesting theory, and one that will probably pick up steam, especially if Lonzo continues to have odd behavior in the next few weeks.
Follow Us
Subscribe