Lonzo Ball’s trade to the New Orleans Pelicans put an end to multiple years of speculation. Since being drafted by the Lakers, Ball was consistently mentioned as an asset in the team’s pursuit of a superstar and, in his second year, as one to pair with LeBron James.
The uncertainty hung not only over Ball but over the team as a whole. That reared its head most violently in the final game before the trade deadline in the 2018-19 season against the Pacers.
With the trade, Ball along with fellow former Lakers Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart likely have a renewed sense of vigor and drive. On Fox Sports 1’s Undisputed, Skip Bayless shared the same sentiment when discussion Ball.
Ball will head into a situation where he will have unabashed support for the first time perhaps in his professional career. While the Lakers liked talking the talk about support, the team also enjoyed chasing a star, too. The Pelicans, though, are committed to a rebuild with a strong core that includes Ball.
If nothing else, it may lead to more rap lyrics from Ball about the Lakers and more apology/non-apology tweets.
