The expectation is that Lonzo Ball is going to be selected by the Lakers with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft on Thursday night. Despite some reports about how the Lakers might either trade their pick or choose a different player with it, many NBA analysts—and Lonzo’s dad LaVar—are convinced that Magic Johnson is going to make Lonzo his first draft pick as the Lakers’ president of basketball operations. The Lakers traded away their young point guard D’Angelo Russell earlier this week, and that seemed to set the stage for them to draft Lonzo.
Assuming he does get drafted by the Lakers, Lonzo will one day play a part in trying to recruit LeBron James to the team. LeBron can opt out of his current contract next summer and become a free agent, and when he does, there’s some speculation about him possibly signing with either the Lakers or Clippers to end his career on the West Coast. And on Wednesday night, Lonzo got a jumpstart on the recruitment process during an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter.
Even though Lonzo isn’t technically a member of the Lakers just yet, he was asked by SC’s Michael Smith and Jemele Hill to talk about what his pitch would be to LeBron once he becomes a free agent. And Lonzo revealed what he would say to LeBron to try and get him to come to L.A.
"Aye, man, LeBron, I like to win, I know you like to win," Lonzo said. "I think our games could help each other out a lot. Any time you want the ball, just let me know. It’s gonna be there."
Lonzo won’t be able to say things like this if and when he’s selected by the Lakers. But for now, it served as a fun reminder that LeBron and Lonzo could conceivably end up playing on the same team one day. That would be fun for a number of basketball reasons. But it would also be interesting given the strong words LeBron had for LaVar last season. LeBron also seemed to publicly mock Lonzo’s shooting form before a game in March, which promoted a response from Lonzo a few days later.
You can watch Lonzo talk briefly about LeBron in the clip above. Are you buying into the LeBron-to-the-Lakers hype, or do you think it’ll never happen?
Related Stories
LeBron James Appears to Take a Jab at Lonzo Ball Before Game Against Bulls
LeBron James seemed to take a jab at Lonzo Ball and his shooting form before the Cavaliers game against the Bulls on Thursday night.
Lonzo Ball Reacts to LeBron James 'Mocking' His Shooting Form
Lonzo Ball responded to LeBron James mocking his shooting motion.
Can Lonzo Ball Really Be the Lakers’ New Kobe?
The UCLA freshman is already being cast as L.A.'s new hometown hero. But does he deserve the same early anticipation as LeBron and D. Rose?
