Los Angeles Lakers: It took time for Lonzo Ball to adjust to LeBron James

Given that Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball idolized LeBron James growing up, it took time for the youngster to get used to James being around.

When the Los Angeles Lakers signed LeBron James last summer, a shockwave was immediately sent throughout the league. Of course, it was all but logical on account of it being James.

At that juncture, LeBron was fresh off his eighth consecutive NBA Finals appearance. Consequently, it was hard for folks to not be excited that one of the greatest players of all-time was joining the Lakers.

However, some individuals stand out from the crowd when it comes to how thrilled they were. Young point guard Lonzo Ball is among that particular group.

Via Corey Hansford of Lakers Nation, Ball practically drooled over LeBron James in his adolescent years. Therefore, once James officially became a member of the Lakers, it took things to an entirely different level.

In that respect, it makes sense that there was an adjustment phase for the former UCLA prodigy. It is one thing to watch a guy like James from afar; conversely, it is much different to suddenly be wearing the same uniform.

Sabreena Merchant of SB Nation brought up one key factor in why it may have been tough for the team in general to initially get used to James’ presence. Simply put, James is in his mid-thirties, whereas multiple Lakers are below 25. There is certainly a discrepancy there.

Despite that, the contrast in age did not rattle Ball. On the other hand, it boiled down to how much Ball revered The Akron Hammer as a kid. Recently, Ball admitted it was hard for him to find the right words when speaking with LBJ.

Per Merchant’s transcription, the 6-foot-6 baller appeared on HBO’s “The Shop,” discussing what it was like to unite with James.

"“It was crazy for me, because I didn’t know what to say to him the first time, because it was like, for me I had been watching him my whole life, and owned his jerseys and everything. So when I seen him, I think I just was like ‘yo what’s up?’ (the whole room laughs). But I didn’t know like whether to ask him questions, and I just kind of felt it out.“I honestly didn’t really get comfortable with you until like after All-Star, I was kind of like ‘I don’t know how to be around him’ because I had never really been around somebody that I looked up to like that. Then I see him in the locker room and it’s like, it was crazy.”"

It is relatively peculiar to see that it took Lonzo that long to get more relaxed around LeBron. Nonetheless, it clearly demonstrates Ball is not kidding around here. The sheer fact that the term “crazy” bookends the quote depicts how the young man felt when the three-time champ came to Hollywood.

Lonzo’s infatuation with LBJ is practical as well due to their playing styles. The former is a very, very selfless player, always looking to find the open man. Without a doubt, the same is true regarding No. 23.

Accordingly, getting the chance to play with someone who has mastered what it means to be a playmaker had to be a special moment for the 21-year-old.

Unfortunately, the pair did not share the court a lot in 2018-2019 because of extended injuries. Although that is true, one can only hope the duo will have better luck in the time to come.

It helps to some degree knowing that Ball and James are more comfortable around one another. Ball being featured on “The Shop” is definitely a good indicator of that. Chemistry within the organization is going to be incredibly crucial moving forward.