The Lakers hosted LiAngelo Ball, the younger brother of their point guard, Lonzo Ball, for a pre-draft workout earlier this week. However, it appears that the Lakers’ association with the younger Ball will not go beyond the workout, Marc Stein of the New York Times reports.
Stein noted that there is “pessimism in the extreme” that the Lakers have any interest in LiAngelo, whether it be as an NBA or G League player. Before his workout with the Lakers, LiAngelo indicated that signing with the team and playing with his brother was his main focus.
“The Lakers are my priority, for sure,” LiAngelo said during a recent appearance on the Marcellus and Travis show on ESPNLA radio. “I want to play with my brother. Ever since I played with Zo, we went undefeated. When we get older, we will get stronger, faster and a better feel for the game. I’m willing to play for other teams, but my priority is to play with my brother.”
LiAngelo returned to the United States recently after completing his first professional season overseas with Vytautas Prienu of the Lithuanian league. He averaged 12.6 PPG during his stint. The brothers’ outspoken father, LaVar Ball, had said his goal was to have all three of his sons play together for the Lakers. At this time, that appears unlikely at best.
Check out more Pacific Division notes below:
- The Warriors accomplished something unprecedented by building an elite, all-time roster as the organization pursues its third championship in four years, In an insightful piece, Mark Medina of the Mercury News writes that Warriors general manager Bob Myers understands that Golden State’s window of dominance will not last forever. “No team should last forever. It’s not good for anybody,” Myers said. “I’m fully aware. I don’t need a reminder from Houston to know how fragile this whole thing is. That’s a part of it. That’s why you have to appreciate it.”
- Kevin Durant has reiterated his desire to remain with the Warriors as he heads for unrestricted free agency this summer. However, after a close call in the Western Conference Finals, Tim Kawakami of The Athletic (subscription required) wonders whether or not the Warriors’ future is more fragile than expected.
- Before Quinn Cook became a crucial part of the Warriors‘ roster, he was a promising G League prospect within the Cavaliers organization. Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue viewed Cook as a solid player. In turn, Cook said he took one major lesson from his tenure with Cleveland, Mark Medina of the Mercury News writes. “I took what I learned from there and took some things with me that I still use today,” Cook said. “The biggest thing was being a sponge.”
- The Suns‘ selection with the first overall pick has been the main focus, but the team also has the 16th overall pick in their possession. Scott Bordow and Jay Dieffenbach of Arizona Central Sports gave their input on who Phoenix may target with the 16th pick.
- The popular consensus is that international superstar Luka Doncic will be the Kings‘ selection with the second overall pick. Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee writes that the Kings are exploring multiple options with the pick beyond Doncic.
The Ball brothers were undefeated as elementary school teammates, so why wouldn’t it be the same in the pros? I mean, seems like a no brained for the Lakers. Who doesn’t want to see more of the Ball family….especially LaVar.
I am assuming… hoping that was sarcasm.
Liangelo is a total nobody. He wants to play eith his bro. How about wanting an NBA job and chats with Zo on the phone. Nature or nurture: How did this kid get so messed up?
I’m assuming nobody is drafting Liangelo so why not bring him in? Especially if it makes Lonzo happy and perhaps shuts up Lavar for a minute.
Zo is a beast! I know that a lot of people doesn’t like him or wanna give him a chance for his dad… but man he can ball, I really rate him this year for me he was at the same level that Donovan Mitchell, I mean 10/7/7 as a rookie is insane… I know that his shooting wasn’t great but he isn’t a shoot first PG so is not so important & he will get better as the years pass, like Kidd did, I do think he is very comparable to Kidd… which as PG’s go is a huge compliment.
Hey Lavar! Didn’t know you were an NBATR reader!
Stop with the Kidd comparisons. Just stop.
When anyone this year reads about KD’s unrestricted free agency opportunity, does anyone even react to the fact?
I would think all believe he stays at GSW
It’s just the talking heads. They get paid to flap away, regardless of accuracy.
I think Kd this time at age 29 wanted hugh contract say $ 200 million???
Warriors prefer pay a younger players
Some other team will pay Kd