Thank goodness for Stephen A. Smith.
Did I really just write that?
LaVar Ball appeared on ESPN’s “First Take” on Monday to share his thoughts on the Los Angeles Lakers’ trade for Anthony Davis, which sent Lonzo Ball to the New Orleans Pelicans in a package of picks and players. Because LaVar has previously stated that he didn’t want Lonzo to land in New Orleans, he back tracked while speaking with Smith. And then LaVar went even further (because that’s what LaVar does). He claimed that, all along, he wanted this to happen. It was his plan.
“Exactly what I wanted them to do. One of the best teams for him to play on is New Orleans. Great,” LaVar said. “… You get my boy running teams like that, we’re going to run loose and wild.”
Did you feel that way before the Pelicans got the No. 1 overall pick, which will soon be Zion Williamson?
“Oh yes,” LaVar said.
“Stop lying,” Smith said, interrupting LaVar. “Stop lying.”
“I’m that good,” LaVar said. “It’s exactly what I wanted.”
It’s tremendous — and tremendously awful — sports theater.
Overwhelming evidence seems to support Smith. LaVar was evidently frustrated during a Drew League game after learning of the trade. He then spoke with multiple media members to rip the Lakers for making the “worst move the Lakers ever did in their life.”
That doesn’t sound like a man who executed his master plan.
