LeBron James and Lonzo Ball will play together for the first time as teammates Wednesday when the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Golden State Warriors, and James is excited to share the court with the second-year point guard.

Ball hasn't played with James yet, as the Lakers have been bringing him along slowly after the former No. 2 overall pick underwent knee surgery after the 2017-18 season ended. James took to Instagram after practice Monday to praise Ball, saying the California native was born for this moment.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bor98o-B5aw/

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on before a game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic gets 100% real on his passion for basketballJoey Mistretta ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Lakers’ LeBron James will love Luka Doncic’s Mind the Game moveJosh Davis ·
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after a three point shot against the Indiana Pacers in the first quarter during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Bill Simmons drops Lakers conspiracy theory to give Knicks fans hopeJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
LeBron James, Luka Doncic give Lakers their own unique 2-timeline issueAnthony Irwin ·
Feb 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
NBA rumors: LeBron James, James Harden potential free agency departures unlikelyZachary Draves ·
timberwolves, Nickeil Alexander-Walker
1 player Minnesota Timberwolves must trade in 2025 offseasonGarrett Kerman ·

When LeBron James met with Lakers' President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson in July for their free agency meeting, the four-time MVP told Johnson he was excited to play with Lonzo Ball and likes his game. Ball, 20, played in 52 games during his rookie season, and averaged 10.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists, shooting 36.0 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from beyond the arc.

Ball will be coming off the bench this season. He'll be backing up veteran Rajon Rondo. Lakers head coach Luke Walton has said multiple times he envisions James and Ball playing with each other. Both players are phenomenal passers and figure to rack up a bunch of assists this year.

When Ball is on the court with James, he's going to have to be a reliable jump shooter. Playing alongside James often requires players to be able to hit 3-pointers because LeBron collapses the paint on his drives to the basket. Ball tweaked his shooting mechanics this summer, and said at media day it takes him less energy to shoot the ball now that he's stronger in his shoulder area.