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Earlier this week, the Los Angeles Lakers were visited by a familiar face from the past. Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar came to the UCLA Health Center in El Segundo and spoke to the players.
On Thursday, rookie Lonzo Ball, also a former UCLA star, talked Kareem's visit and what message he gave to him and his teammates.
“He came in and talked to the whole team,” Ball said of Abdul-Jabbar. “I didn't speak to him one-on-one but definitely wished us luck on the season. Gave us his tips. It was nice to have him in here.”
Ball also shared a bit more from what he took in from the six-time NBA champion's visit to the practice facility.
“Stay positive. Stay in the gym. Don't worry about the distractions. All the fans show a lot of support out here, he said. He said to stay together as a team. Move as one.”
The 19-year-old rookie point guard will get his first season with the storied NBA franchise on Oct. 19 when the Lakers go head-to-head against the division rival L.A. Clippers at the Staples Center. Ball's presence has brought a different kind of energy and appeal to this team as they continue to rebuild with Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka at the helm.
Before the regular-season opener, the Lakers will face the Clippers in their preseason finale which will take place on Friday. Ball's status remains questionable as he continues to deal with an ankle sprain he sustained earlier in the preseason.
