Zion Williamson was undoubtedly one of the most-hyped rookies since LeBron James in 2003. Even while he was still in college playing for Duke, Zion turned heads and drew international media attention. However, according to LaVar Ball, the rookie wouldn't get as much buzz with the New Orleans Pelicans without his son Lonzo Ball.
Specifically, LaVar said on Complex's “Load Management” podcast that Zion would be “running and jumping out there for nothing” for the Pelicans without Lonzo.
“Take my boy out the situation and see how much buzz you get,” Lavar Ball said. “He'd probably still be out for the season.” Ball added that Lonzo's play was essential to unlocking Zion's game. “I don't care how fast you can run and jump, if you ain't got nobody to get you that ball, guess what you going to be doing? Running and jumping out there for nothing.”
LaVar, the outspoken helicopter parent to three professional athletes, will see his youngest son LaMelo enter the 2020 NBA Draft as a top pick hopeful. The 18-year-old California native spent a season with the NBL's Illawarra Hawks in Australia.
Lonzo Ball, a former second-overall pick of the Los Angeles Lakers, had a breakout season with the Pelicans in 2019-20 after he was traded to New Orleans in the past summer. He was averaging 12.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game in 56 appearances.
Ball, however, only shared the court with Zion Williamson in 19 games before the NBA was suspended due to coronavirus pandemic. In those games, the Pelicans freshman averaged 23.6 points and 6.8 rebounds a contest, shooting 58.9 percent from the floor.
Lavar is known for his ridiculous claims, especially if it means hyping his children. However, his latest remarks certainly raised a lot of eyebrows, considering that the media will follow Zion even without Lonzo. For what it's worth, Williamson might be the reason why people are talking about Lonzo with the Pelicans.