Lonzo Ball Reflects on Lakers Trade and Missed Opportunities
Lonzo Ball, now a guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, has recently revisited his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers, sharing his thoughts on the blockbuster trade that sent him to the New Orleans Pelicans. The transaction, which took place early in the 2019 season, involved not only Ball but also Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and three first-round draft picks, all in exchange for superstar Anthony Davis.
The Fallout of the Trade
The Lakers’ decision paid off almost immediately, as they went on to win the NBA Championship in the 2019-2020 season with Davis leading the charge. Davis has since departed Los Angeles in what many consider one of the most surprising trades in NBA history. Nevertheless, his tenure in Los Angeles included a championship ring and a strong showing in the Western Conference Finals in 2023.
Despite the success that followed the trade, Ball feels a sense of unfinished business with the Lakers. “Unpopular opinion probably, but I feel like I could have played with D’Angelo Russell honestly,” Ball expressed during a recent episode of the *Ball in the Family* podcast. He suggested that the organization might have been better off retaining their picks and exploring a different direction, even as he acknowledged their championship success.
Proving His Worth
During his time with the Pelicans, Ball showcased his ability to impact games significantly, averaging 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.0 assists during his second season in New Orleans. Yet, his argument for a more prominent role with the Lakers is complicated by his ongoing struggles with injuries.
Health Challenges
The 6-foot-6 playmaker has faced considerable health challenges since suffering a meniscus tear in January 2022. These injuries sidelined him for the entirety of the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons. In the 2021-2022 season with the Chicago Bulls, Ball managed to appear in just 35 games, primarily coming off the bench, before his offseason trade to the Cavaliers.
This season in Cleveland, Ball has averaged 24 minutes per game over 15 appearances, contributing 6.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. As he navigates this chapter of his career, he looks forward to facing the Lakers in January when they travel to Cleveland for a mid-season matchup.
The Lakers’ Future
Meanwhile, the Lakers have moved forward, trading both Ball and Davis to acquire star guard Luka Doncic, who at just 26 years old, represents a bright future for the franchise, especially as they contemplate life after LeBron James. While the path to securing Doncic involved parting ways with both Ball and Davis, it seems the Lakers are content with their long-term vision.
As Ball reflects on what could have been, the Lakers continue to build on their recent success, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the NBA landscape and the myriad of choices that shape a franchise’s trajectory.
