Lonzo Ball was all praise for his teammate DeMar DeRozan during the introductory press conference for the Chicago Bulls.
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Recently, the 23-year old Lonzo Ball signed a 4-year $80M deal with the Bulls. In his 4 seasons so far, Lonzo has averaged 11.7 PPG, 6.4 APG, and 5.8 RPG on a 39.7% shooting from the field.
Welcome to Chicago, @ZO2_! pic.twitter.com/kg5vALa6Vf
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) August 9, 2021
The former UCLA player is all hyped for his new journey in the windy city. When asked about why he chose Chicago as his destination during a press conference, Lonzo said, “They were the team that stood out that really wanted me for me.”
The former Lakers guard added, “We’re an exciting team, I can see the future, and we’re a team that can go up and down and win basketball games. At the end of the day, I’m happy to be a Bull.”
The point guard couldn’t hide his excitement about playing 4x All-Star DeMar DeRozan, who recently joined the Bulls roster as well. Lonzo spoke about how he had grown up idolizing DeRozan.
The excitement seemed mutual as DeRozan had nothing but good things to say about the 23-year old. “The dynamic that he brings to the court on both ends is tremendous. He’s a hell of a point guard, a hell of a player. You’re definitely going to see the best out of Lonzo this upcoming year.”
Lonzo Ball talks about his admiration for DeMar DeRozan while growing up
It would not be wrong to say that Lonzo seems to be getting into his prime. The point guard is known for his passing abilities and high basketball IQ. Over the years, Lonzo seems to have developed a good jumper as well.
The 6’6 point guard is eager to begin his new journey with the Bulls’ young roster. He said, “Zach is over there, Vooch, Coby (White), Pat Williams, young guys that know how to play.”
The LA native spoke highly about DeMar DeRozan, who grew up in LA as well. Lonzo said, “As you know, he’s from Compton, L.A. So he’s a legend back home. A lot of people look up to him. I grew up watching him play.”
Lonzo: “I hit DeMar up when he first came over and decided to come to the Bulls, he’s from Compton LA so he’s a legend in my area and I grew up watching him play. We have a lot of different players doing different things… I’m excited to just get out there and play with them.” pic.twitter.com/bYyy8pwWj0
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) August 13, 2021
DeRozan didn’t hesitate to return the compliments and said, “Since he’s been in the league, it seemed like he hasn’t really been let free to be the player that I believe he is,” DeRozan about Ball.
“Once I saw him sign and seeing him, having that opportunity for the first time in his career was something that I definitely wanted to be a part of,” added the former Raptors player.
It seems an exciting time for the Bulls fans who have for long not seen their team make it to the playoffs. The core of Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball, and DeMar DeRozan can be the beginning of a new era in the windy city.
