Despite saying that Phoenix was the best place for Lonzo Ball and despite saying his middle son, LiAngelo Ball, the only one to not have any sort of realistic future in the NBA, could beat Zion Williamson, LaVar Ball appears to be excited for the future in New Orleans. Surprisingly, having your son thrust onto the team about to land a once-in-a-generation talent changes opinions, though LaVar does plenty of flip-flopping on his own.
In the wake of Lonzo’s trade to New Orleans, LaVar spoke to multiple microphones placed in front of him on Saturday after watching his youngest son LaMelo play his second game in the Drew League. The subject of Williamson was brought up and the ever arrogant LaVar answered it the only way he knows how.
“Lonzo going to groom him, letting him know that when you get open, you’re going to get the ball. He’s going to make him so much better than what everybody’s thinking. So everybody doubting him and saying, ‘You know what? You don’t have these post moves. You’re not polished, just a good runner and athletic,’ Lonzo will fine-tune him.”
The absurdity of the idea that Lonzo would be the one to fine-tune Williamson set aside, there is some credence to the idea that Ball could help unlock various aspects of Williamson’s game. Ideally, Ball’s shooting returns to the form it held at UCLA where he was a consistent long-range threat. If so, Ball and Williamson could form a dynamic partnership that could even play in pick and rolls with both players able to serve in both roles.
Ball’s passing also opens up things not only for Williamson but for any player he plays with. If the sole playmaking responsibilities aren’t on Williamson’s shoulders then he’s able to be an even more effective player.
It’s one of the many reasons why Williamson and Ball make a truly fascinating partnership and why the two should be faces of the rebuild for the Pelicans.
