Revenge of the Ball why the 2019-2020 season could be the biggest yet for the brothers. 12 months ago, Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball were at very different points of their lives. Lonzo was just getting ready to start up his second year with the Los Angles Lakers after a rookie year that saw him only compete in 52 games missing 30 due to injury. LiAngelo was nursing injuries sustained in the JBA USA Big Baller tour alongside brother LaMelo. With the upcoming season approaching and currently happening, the Ball brothers have a chance to massively change their future and images in just a few short months. It’ll be a redemption period following what seems like the brand’s destruction after the fallout between Lavar ball, Lonzo and former business associate Alan Foster. But if everything pays off, this will be a new look image for all three Ball men.
Lonzo Ball
Early Years
Let’s start with the eldest Ball brother. During his two year run in Los Angles, the biggest issue that loomed over Lonzo was his health. He only managed to play in 99 games out of a possible 164 missing a total of 65 games. Almost half of his early career has been plagued by injuries that have had many questions was he worth the #2 overall pick back in 2017.
When available on the court, Zo has managed to put up an average of 10.0 PPG, 6.4 APG, and 6.2 RPG. His greatest potential has been on the defensive end. When Lonzo has been able to stay healthy and stay on the court, he has been regarded as one of the best young perimeter defenders in the league amongst NBA circles. He has also averaged 1.6 SPG with 157 total showing that his length will come of good use.
The Distractions
The distractions Ball has encountered, he handled in the best way possible. For starters, Ball has dealt with a brand split in his brand that he owns the largest portion of, Big Baller Brand or BBB for short. The split started with the betrayal from a longtime family friend and business associate Alan Foster. This led to an argument that went viral between Zo and his father Lavar on their FaceBook reality show, Ball in The Family. Foster reportedly could have taken an excess of 1.5 million.
The biggest distraction of them all came as the 21-year old finally was dealt in a deal involving superstar Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans. The deal that was talked about for months finally took place early in this summer’s free agency period. Zo on several interviews throughout the summer mentioned that it took a toll on him mentally but he understood that the NBA is a business. This still does not change the mentality shift that took place between Zo and fellow teammates, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart. All three were the main points in multiple trade scenarios for months.
The good thing for Zo is that Ingram and Hart both will join him in New Orleans giving him familiar faces to be around.
Lonzo is going to have a fresh start in New Orleans. He will come into the season the healthiest he has been since before he was drafted. The Lakers shut him down near the end of the season in order to get him healthy. He will have 2019 #1 draft pick, Zion Williamson, to help his own individual development along with a host of seasoned vets and fresh faces. He also will have little to no distractions(as long as Lavar keeps quiet).
It will now just be about Zo going out and performing. Revenge of the Ball why the 2019-2020 season could be the biggest yet for the brothers.
LiAngelo Ball
LiAngelo may have grown to be the forgotten Ball brother. An opportunity within the league could certainly remind the world that he could play at a high level.
By now, many know about Gelo’s incident at UCLA. The incident cost him a chance to play college ball. His father eventually pulled him from the university during his suspension handed down by the team. Gelo’s career took a different pathway that led him to play in Lithuania and on Lavar’s JBA run in the regular season and world tour.
During his first year of eligibility in 2018, LiAngelo drew interest from mainly the Phoenix Suns. They held the 59th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft and did not select him. LiAngelo then didn’t receive a single invite to the 2018 summer league. He would try again this past summer with the 2019 summer league. He stated that three teams had interest in him being the Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Brooklyn Nets. But Gelo’s chances were derailed due to an injury in his ankle that would require surgery and ended any chances.
Injuries, similar to big brother Lonzo, have given Gelo small if any chances of making the NBA. In just about every team he has played for since UCLA, Gelo has missed significant time due to injuries. Mainly surrounding his lower body and ankle areas.
The goal for Gelo now is to get healthy. His health has been his main reason that a solid opportunity hasn’t come his way. If he can get healthy, Gelo should have a couple of different pathways to try to get to his ultimate goal of being an NBA player. He can either try for another run at the summer league or possibly attempt to get another overseas contract.
For now, LiAngelo needs to get his health fully in check before pursuing any other routes.
Revenge of the Ball why the 2019-2020 season could be the biggest yet for the brothers.
LaMelo Ball
The Perceived Perception
Let’s take a trip down memory lane for a second.
Three years ago, he was in his last year at Chino Hills after his father Lavar pulled him out of high school and barely 6 feet tall.
Two years ago, LaMelo Ball was just grooming into his massive growth spurt while dominating summer mixes highlighted by a packed house matchup with Zion Williamson. He was jacking up shots from way past the NBA three-point line while sporting his signature blond look.
Last summer, he was in Lithuania on a marketability tour for BBB while standing at the height of around 6’2. He still continuing his growth as a basketball player while holding an outside narrative that he was childish and immature and a selfish player on the court.
This summer, he has rounded out into a 6’6 mature prospect following an impressive run at Spire in Ohio and a strong showing during the summer basketball circuit’s infamous Drew League.
LaMelo Ball is legit ladies and gentlemen. He has a chance to be the best Ball brother out of the trio.
Potential #1 Pick
Now he is currently in the Australian NBL where he has continued to dominate the circuit. In a preseason matchup against the Perth Wildcats, LaMelo impressed in front of 27 NBA scouts with a stat line of 19 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds while being primarily guarded by reigning defensive player of the year Damien Martin. Ball has been impressive in his early preseason work but this game set it over the top.
Ball impressed so many during that game. That he is now projected to be a top-three pick and has a legit shot at being the number one pick.
LaMelo’s future is completely in his hand as he will continue to grow during these few months run overseas. One thing is for certain that his narrative has changed about him as a player on and off the court. LaMelo is now 6’6 and could possibly round out to be taller going into the NBA Draft next summer. He has developed into more of a playmaker similar to Lonzo. He has matured as a leader.
The youngest Ball brother is taking in the teachings of his older brother and many others. Most certainly should be considered as a top pick. Revenge of the Ball why the 2019-2020 season could be the biggest yet for the brothers.
