Only a select few handfuls of players in the NBA can relate to the media pressure Lonzo Ball has experienced not just through his professional career but since his high school playing days. Largely due to his father, at least in the beginning, Ball has been under the microscope since early on in his adult life.
Ball, though, has handled the pressure remarkably well. Despite being in the spotlight, Ball has never found himself in any sort of controversy. JJ Redick recently asked Ball about dealing with the pressure of constant media attention on his podcast on The Ringer.
“I think just over time, you just realize what it is. It’s part of the life. I think for Zion, he’s been in the spotlight since he was in high school. You know, he’s been in it for a couple years now. It’s not like he just got famous. I think social media kind of blows everything up a little bit.”
Ball’s personality lends itself to a lack of controversy. His low-key style runs in direct contradiction of someone who has grown up with as much media attention as he has over the last half-decade.
Redick asked Ball if his personality is a product of having the focus of the media for the entirety of his adult life.
“I think I was just always like that. I think the way I raised had a lot to do with it. I give credit to my family. I’m always with them. I have them in my corner no matter what. A lot of credit goes to them.”
Given the attention on him and how he handles it, Ball remains fascinating in that regard. Despite having so much focus on him, he remains remarkably humble and reserved, making him one of the better role models in the league in that regard.
