According to plenty of fans, Lonzo Ball could return to the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason after spending the last two campaigns with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Californians are entering a complex offseason where they’ll probably make some major changes to compete for the NBA championship next season. After an early exit of the 2021 playoffs, the purple and gold are ready to make some moves that could lift their level.
After a short-lived tenure with the team, Ball was dealt to New Orleans in the blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to Los Angeles in 2019. However, after exchanging some words with LeBron James on social media, fans started speculating about Ball’s return to the Staples Center.
Zo thanked LeBron for a piece of advice he gave him while they were teammates, and the King showed his support, reminding him he was always one phone call away.
“Always a text, a phone call or FT [FaceTime] away bro!! You already know.”
Always a text, a phone call or FT away bro!! You already know. 🙏🏾✊🏾❤️👑 https://t.co/ejFneYx2ys
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 11, 2021
Well, this was enough to make Lakers fans believe that Ball is coming back to L.A. this summer. They were pretty excited about the possibilities, flooding social media with reactions.
Lonzo back to LA Confirmed. 👀 pic.twitter.com/verEkCTnIR
— Audel Del Toro (@CantBeatAudel) June 11, 2021
OMFG LONZO IS COMING HOME
— Troydan (@Troydan) June 11, 2021
“That’s our Ball, that’s our ball ain’t it” pic.twitter.com/eCP3hdfbUY
— Big Boosted 💛💜 (@1futur0) June 11, 2021
Photoshopped Lonzo in a lakers jersey🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/P1TOyI49JO
— MKG (@MKGRDC) June 11, 2021
He’d be your best point guard in the last decade
— jm (@boonescasket) June 11, 2021
— ⁸𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙧𝙚 (@33643pts) June 11, 2021
The Return. pic.twitter.com/NaYHtwqFnE
— Trevor Durham (@Trevor_D22) June 12, 2021
Bring ZO back ! pic.twitter.com/HwOayzVCjZ
— J a v a r i . (@Justnand1) June 12, 2021
Zo should’ve stayed in LA!
— Kirk Medas (@KirkMedas) June 12, 2021
lonzo back to the lakers for schroeder confirmed
— divine 🦹🏽 (@rareballer) June 11, 2021
— Portal Pro Sports (@PortalProSports) June 11, 2021
Kuzma a phone call away from getting traded pic.twitter.com/FmSvzzcbDh
— Hmmm💥 (@Mellosthename) June 11, 2021
LeGm making moves I see you! pic.twitter.com/PuxtAckice
— Happy Lakers fan (@oprahsideclark) June 11, 2021
Adam looking at this waiting to fine someone pic.twitter.com/1FcZ7rpuOe
— Pablo (@pabloesxco) June 12, 2021
Zo is coming Back pic.twitter.com/QscvYKSLBh
— Keston (@Kes_K) June 11, 2021
Lonzo really coming back to the Lakers 👀👀
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) June 11, 2021
Lonzo has repeatedly stated that he wants to stay in NOLA. Still, the Pelicans look ready to start building around Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, which opens the door for more teams.
Lonzo is set to become a restricted free agent, reportedly asking $20 million per season in his new contract. Dennis Schroder rejected a 4-year, $84 million offer from the team, and it is unlikely that he’ll return next season. Perhaps Lonzo can be that option that nobody saw coming before.
He still has a good relationship with LeBron, and his improvement over the past couple of years has been remarkable. Maybe this is the right time for him to get his revenge with the purple and gold.
