Ball creating serious buzz with Lakers
Lonzo Ball seems to be just what the Lakers needed.
Yes, it was only Summer League, but the franchise has been mired in a playoff drought and is in much need of excitement. Enter the No. 2 pick in the draft.
Ball has created a buzz around the Lakers, on and off the court.
In six Las Vegas Summer League games, he averaged 16.3 points, 9.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds. The Southern California native with Showtime-like flair had two triple-doubles and four double-digit assist games.
Even with his stellar play, the 19-yearold made more headlines by wearing different brands of sneakers each game.
“All press is good press, technically,” Finish Line content manager and creative strategist Brandon Edler said. “Just the fact that we continue to talk about their every single move is amazing for their brand.”
After wearing his ZO2 sneakers from his father LaVar’s Big Baller Brand in his first two games — shoes that sell for $495 — Ball rotated through sneakers from Nike, Adidas, Under Armour and Jordan Brand in the next four. The circus atmosphere off the court overshadows what Ball has done on it.
Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson immediately laid out his expectations after drafting Ball: for the rookie’s number to hang from the Staples Center rafters.
“Passing translates, I don’t care what level you’re on,” Johnson told Lakers. com. “Lakers fans are thirsty . ... This team will be exciting, and it starts with that point-guard position.” Lakers win Summer League title: With Ball out because of a mild calf strain, Kyle Kuzma had 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Lakers to a 110-98 victory over Portland for the Las Vegas title Monday night.
Kuzma hit 6 of 10 three-point tries and Matt Thomas scored 23 points on 8-for-9 shooting, including 5-for-5 from beyond the arc. Caleb Swanigan had 25 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists for the Blazers. Briefly: Swingman Paul Pierce, who averaged 19.7 points per game over 19 NBA seasons, announced his retirement. Pierce, 39, was a 10-time All-Star. ... Rockets owner Leslie Alexander announced that his team is for sale. In 24 seasons under Alexander, the Rockets have won 56.9 percent of their games.