mobile app bar

“I grew up watching DeMar DeRozan play in Compton”: Lonzo Balls shares his excitement about joining Chicago Bulls and repping the Windy City alongside DeMar and Zach LaVine

Arjun Julka
Published

"I grew up watching DeMar DeRozan play in Compton": Lonzo Balls shares his excitement about joining Chicago Bulls and repping the Windy City alongside DeMar and Zach LaVine

Lonzo Ball was all praise for his teammate DeMar DeRozan during the introductory press conference for the Chicago Bulls.

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.

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.

Also read: “He been doing this!”: Lonzo Ball joins in on the hype as LiAngelo Ball pours in an incredible 16 points in just 16 minutes during his NBA Summer League debut

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.”

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.

Also read: “Kevin Durant is a top-5 1v1 player ever”: Lonzo Ball places KD alongside Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, reminisces about Durant hitting a game-winner vs Lakers on Kobe’s jersey retirement day

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.

About the author

Arjun Julka

Arjun Julka

x-iconlinkedin-icon

Arjun Julka is a NBA author at The SportsRush. Basketball isn’t just a sport for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai. He began watching the sport after stumbling upon a court in his society, helping him identify an undiscovered passion for the game of hoops. Now an ardent fan, Arjun supports Stephen Curry and the Warriors but also enjoys watching Giannis Antetokounmpo own the paint. When it comes to the GOAT debate, the TSR author feels LeBron James is yet to receive a lot of his due but cannot deny marveling at Michael Jordan’s resume.

Read more from Arjun Julka

Share this article