Any attempted positive spin on the situation involving Lonzo Ball and Big Baller Brand comes with a strain and a necessary amount of squinting. Each positive also comes with a qualifier attached. While it’s easy to argue Ball has become his own man in this situation, it came at a steep monetary cost and possibly a steeper emotional cost.
Even then, it hasn’t all been doom and gloom for Ball as there have been positives, which includes a growing relationship with LeBron James.
During a Lakers-focused episode of Brian Windhorst’s The Hoop Collective podcast this week with Dave McMenamin, Ramona Shelburne and Ohm Youngmisuk discussed many Lakers topics, including Ball and James’ relationship.
Dave McMenamin: “I would say that Lonzo, there’s something there, there’s a reverence. LeBron, I’ve seen it in small packages.”
Brian Windhorst: “LeBron has been very effusive in praising Lonzo.”
Ramona Shelburne: “From what I’ve heard, ever since this happened with Lonzo and firing of Alan Foster and the destruction or whatever is going to be left of Big Baller Brand, I have heard that LeBron has really reached out to Lonzo and they’ve gotten much closer throughout this. He’s really tried to help him through this.”
James had comments in the immediate aftermath of the report crediting Ball for becoming his own man by severing ties Big Baller Brand co-founder Alan Foster and eventually suing him.
The other underlying takeaway from the quotes from Shelburne would be the support Ball has from his teammates. In a time where he not only cut ties with family friend Foster but also appears to be removing power in his career from his father, having people in his corner like James and his teammates is huge for his psyche.
Finding the small positives in such a bad situation will be key for Ball. If it all helps him grow closer to his team and find people to lean on, it could all end up being a positive in the long run.
