LaVar Ball came up with an explanation defending LeBron James for why Lonzo Ball was traded from the Lakers.
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Lonzo was one of the key pieces sent to New Orleans by the Lakers in exchange for obtaining Anthony Davis. The arrival of the most talented big man in the NBA bolstered them to no end. Lakers nation cantered to first place in the Conference before brushing aside all competition in the playoffs.
LeBron has had a smaller role to play in the team than in any of his previous championship runs. GM Rob Pelinka did a stupendous job of putting together a great roster around him. He went one better this offseason, essentially upgrading all the underperformers from last season.
LaVar engaged in an AMA today. His answers to some of the questions are pretty great, and worth a read.
LaVar Ball explains why LeBron James had no say in the trade of Lonzo Ball
Many believe the narrative that LeBron has a GM-like say on the roster of whichever team he joins. LaVar refused to feed the LeGM narrative in the AMA, firmly pinning the Lonzo trade on the front office.
“LeBron didn’t do nothing. It was just the coaching over there. Coaches didn’t know how to play LeBron and Lonzo together. You saw they brought in one new guy and they won a championship, it was that simple.”
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Given how the trade has turned out for both sides, it is unlikely that either David Griffin or Rob Pelinka are losing any sleep over it. LaVar certainly doesn’t seem to be. He seems eminently satisfied by his sons’ roles on the Pelicans and the Hornets. Only time will tell which Ball brother will be better – LaMelo or Lonzo.