Not too long after his father’s latest peculiar statements, Lonzo Ball of the Los Angeles Lakers is doing his best to remain neutral.
When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted UCLA product Lonzo Ball, the young man was not the only one coming to the team. Ball was merely part one of a package deal that likewise sent his father, LaVar, along for the ride.
What a ride it has been, indeed. The latter of the two Balls has undoubtedly made it a bumpy one due to how earsplitting his personality is. It is no secret at this point that LaVar is famous for making some incredibly bizarre assertions.
In the earlier chunks of the week, the ongoing pattern with LaVar reached new heights. During a correspondence with Lithuanian media, Lonzo’s dad devised a blueprint revolving around his three sons. The blueprint, in essence, suggested that he intends to get Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo on the same NBA roster.
However, LaVar did not call it a day at that point in time. He made yet another interesting remark from across the globe. The clamorous character went on to claim that he would yank Lonzo away from the Lakers unless they happened to be the very team that picks up his other two boys.
This is quite a demand by LaVar, even for a man who is known to be emphatic in his speech. Nevertheless, the well-known parent has been this way for a while now, although for some folks it seems like forever.
Lonzo is certainly one who falls into that “forever” category given that he is LaVar’s flesh and blood. As a result, the 20-year-old rookie is as qualified as anyone to speak about his father’s temperament.
Bleacher Report’s Tyler Conway recently penned Lonzo’s thoughts on LaVar’s eye-rolling ultimatum. Originally courtesy of ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, No. 2 kept it short and sweet as is the custom.
"“No reaction,” Lonzo told ESPN.com’s Ramona Shelburne of LaVar’s threat. “I always just play. He always talks. It’s always been the same way.”"
Without a doubt, Lonzo’s reflections are not too surprising. He is a man of few words when it comes to addressing the media. Let alone that, his comments demonstrate that his central focus relates to basketball—not petty distractions.
Be that as it may, Lonzo’s brief input regarding LaVar’s recent threat is not necessarily ideal despite it being characteristic of the former’s nature.
Lonzo has continually taken his dad’s words with a grain of salt. Many wish he was a bit more like his dad during times like these. Rather than taking things with a grain of salt, many would like to see a more peppery attitude.
Trevor Lane of Lakers Nation grasps this posture and thinks Lonzo will have to choose sides eventually.
"“For Lakers fans, it’s moments like these where it would be reassuring if Lonzo would deny LaVar’s claims, but one can understand that it’s also difficult to speak out against a family member. At some point, Lonzo will have to make his own decisions.”"
The “but” Lane alludes to in his analysis is prudent. At the same time, Lonzo’s family also includes his teammates. That cannot be refuted. Even though it is easier said than done, Zo may have no choice but to stand up to LaVar at some point if he wants a future in this league.
In furtherance of this, No. 2’s lack of a real reaction signifies a lack of urgency to become his best self. It is understandable that LaVar was there every step of the way growing up. In spite of that, Lonzo may need to establish a fine line sooner rather than later to unlock the beast inside.
His attitude on LaVar has been evocative of his play on certain occasions this season. Lonzo’s lack of aggressiveness during spurts of his 36 appearances have caused many to go haywire on the young fella.
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While this may appear to be a quirky correlation, Lonzo may never become one of the better players in this league unless he speaks up.
Indifference is not the right ingredient. On the other hand, for once in his life, the Lakers’ starting point guard needs to temporarily become a little more like his kooky father.