UCLA product Lonzo Ball is scheduled to workout for the Lakers tomorrow but his outspoken father, LaVar Ball, will not be present for it, head coach Luke Walton confirmed on the Jim Rome Show Tuesday.
The elder Ball, however, was offered an invitation to a pre-workout dinner — Walton was not sure LaVar would attend, but joked that his presence would provide a boost in entertainment.
“Absolutely. If he wanted to come to the dinner,” Walton said (via USA Today). “I think the workout is something that we’ll keep the doors closed on, but the dinner, I think he would definitely make the dinner more entertaining. He’s definitely welcome to join us for that one.”
Ball, 19, is expected to be a top draft pick this season and the Lakers own the second overall selection. As a solid player at UCLA and California native, Ball is viewed in many circles as a surefire Lakers pick. However, a report last week claimed the Lakers are not sold on the young point guard.
While Ball has mulled over working out for the Sixers, his father has previously stated that his son would only work out for Los Angeles — fueling speculation he would be the team’s first-round selection. After his workout on Wednesday, Ball’s possible future in Lakers purple and gold should be clearer.
On the topic of Ball’s father and his opinionated, outspoken nature, Walton noted that he would not have a problem managing the boisterous personality if the team selects Ball.
“No, I wouldn’t. We’re in the NBA, to me, that’s not an issue,” Walton said. “Parents are always gonna have their opinions. They’re gonna be outspoken at times. As you know, Jim, I have a very outspoken father myself. It doesn’t bother me. If we were to draft him, we’re gonna coach him. He’s gonna be part of our team. He’s gonna be part of our family. And we’ll go from there. This is the NBA. We’ll keep the team where it needs to be. We’ll not let outside things like that influence us on whether or not we pick the kid.”
Something tells me that if the Lakers don’t draft Ball, Lavar won’t let Lonzo sign with whatever team ends up drafting him. Lavar Ball has been hurting his son more than help but he is too blind to realize that and too focused on building his own image.
Lonzo is 19 and can sign with whoever he wants, he’s not going back to UCLA next year so he’s going to sign with whoever drafts him.
You do not understand how things work.
He could probably start a bidding war overseas if they were that desperate. I think he goes to LAL anyways so it won’t matter.
He does understand how things work.
If Ball sits out the year he goes back into the draft next season.
No he doesn’t. He’s an underclass man. Whoever selects Ball would maintain his rights through whatever year his college eligibility would’ve naturally expired. With Ball, that would mean a team would maintain his rights for 3 years.
Seriously? Wow ok. So many quirks in the rules. Thanks for clarifying.
Wrong He’s officially an adult. He can
With any team! Purple and gold! Ha Ha
I think this is a good indication that the Lakers WILL draft Lonzo ball.
They are putting the father in his proper place now. It means they’re serious about the whole idea.
All the questions about Ball and not drafting him are definite smokescreens now that this story has come out.
Also, Walton is hilarious. Lavar can come to dinner if he wants that’ll be entertaining, but I’m not sure I’ll be there.
They don’t need his 2.2 points per game insight? Ball so fail.
1. Celtics go Fultz
2. Lakers go Jackson
Sixers trade 3 to Kings for 5 & 10
3. Kings go Fox
4. Suns go Tatum
5. Sixers go Issac
6. Magic go Ball
7. Wolves go Markkanen
8. Knicks go Smith Jr.
9. Mavs go Ntlilikina
10. Sixers go Monk
Great scenario for the Sixers. If they keep the pick, Ball goes to the Kings more likely than not. Furthest he’d possibly fall is the Mavs at 9.
You are crazy, Monk will easily get picked up by Phil
He’s going point guard more likely than not. If Smith is gone and it’s Frank or Monk then Monk.
Monk is a sniper and has a killer instinct. He can literally take over a game like Ray Allen with his shooting and get scorching hot. Smith Jr would be a great option but in the NBA you need firepower(Warriors) and Monk is
Monk is a tiny SG he’s listed at 6 ft 3 but that’s it you measure 2 or 3 inches of hair. he’s 6ft 1 at best. The Comp is Lou Williams. I like him he can ball out but let’s be realistic. IT4s MVP like season is more an anomaly.
Lou Williams? Wow dude you clearly did not watch Monk, Monk is more Ray allen
Everyone has seen your comments. They hold no value. I wouldn’t trust your assessments even in sports banter fantasyland
Ball isn’t dropping to #6 i’m sorry
Yeah he must be a magic fan
I do know how this works and I know that whoever drafts him will have his rights but I think if it isn’t the Lakers(even though I think it will be) I think Lavar will suggest that Lonzo hold out until he gets traded to the Lakers if he isn’t drafted by them
He’s going to the Lakers
I can’t wait to see in a few years when he becomes a FA, it doesn’t matter if he is a bust or not I can’t wait to see his father become his second agent and go out asking for the largest contract in NBA history for his son, even if he turns out to be a busy
*bust
Ball will anchor the Lakers to the Finals 2019 and beat the Warriors, stat line 16 ppg 6 rpg 11 apg
Want me to @ you when he signs with a Chinese team?
That aint happening lol
Well, now there IS a chance the Kings will draft him. Wait? Not allowed? Dammit
Sixers without question trade the 3 pick but I doubt they get the 5 and 10 in return this year. Would be great if they did but that’s too easy and logical for the Colangelo clowns. They’ll screw this up plus don’t the Sixers already get the kings 1st round pick in like 2019 or 20?
I hope Pheonix can trade Dudley and Bledsoe and Chandler for number 3# pick und Okafor.
Suns pick Fox and Jackson
A dream for every suns fan