Could Lonzo Ball return to the Lakers? NBA insider Jake Fischer seems to think it’s a good idea. While speaking on a Bleacher Report livestream, he noted that Jovan Buha, a known Lakers beat writer had hinted at the idea, and then explained that the Lakers were targeting smaller contracts such as mid-level players, and Lonzo would definitely fit the bill when it came to that description.
“My buddy Jovan Buha… first brought attention to the thought of the Lakers reuniting with Lonzo Ball. And that is the type of move that is expected, projected from rival teams around the league right now.”
“They see the Lakers making more of a mid-tier salary, rotational upgrade, and not necessarily going after a huge name, huge salary like Zach LaVine, Brandon Ingram, Jimmy Butler, or Bradley Beal. That’s what I’ve been hearing for a while and I think it makes sense.”
“The Lakers already got burned making that type of splurge for a superstar or All-Star with Russell Westbrook. They ended up turning around, trying to crack that egg into three different eggs… That was two years ago.”
“The Lakers are still in this position of upgrading. I don’t see them wanting to cobble together a bunch of pieces to go get one major salary guy. But other players in the $20 million range… That’s the type of deal that’s more likely for the Lakers right now…
The Lakers’ interest in a reunion with Ball had been reported last month, along with Kyle Kuzma. Of course, while Fischer is a respected analyst, and his points here make sense, it is hard to see why the Lakers would willingly give up assets for Lonzo Ball ahead of the trade deadline for a player who becomes a free agent this summer.
If the Lakers were so inclined, they could just wait out this season, and land Ball as a free agent or via a sign-and-trade with the Bulls.
Would A Lonzo Ball Reunion Make Sense For Lakers?
The bigger question is, would this deal make sense for the Lakers outside of the money? The first point that we should note is that Ball is coming off a very serious knee injury that kept him away from the NBA for two whole seasons. And since returning, Ball has played very little.
Of course, when he has gotten the chance to play, Lonzo has looked poor. For this season, Ball is averaging 20.5 minutes, 6.5 points, 3.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game while shooting 36.1% from the field, 33.1% from the three-point line, and 75.0% from the free-throw line.
Clearly, Ball is struggling greatly to regain his form after a lengthy stint away from the court. And with this current form, the Lakers would not benefit from taking Lonzo’s contract on, especially if it meant giving up assets.
If Ball can continue playing regularly this season, and play himself back into form, the Lakers could reconsider and bring him in as a point guard option for next season.
Ball has experience playing with LeBron James, having been on the Lakers during his rookie season, before being traded to the Pelicans as part of the Anthony Davis package.
A return would definitely be a romantic notion. But fans might have to be realistic about Lonzo’s career prospects, at least in the short term.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
