As the 2020 NBA Draft scouting process has heated up, largely due to the league itself being on a break, LaMelo Ball has gone under a bigger and bigger microscope. As was the case during Lonzo’s predraft process in 2017, LaVar’s role with his sons has been brought into the forefront.
Long considered the con to drafting either of his sons, Ball addressed the idea that he is considered baggage for LaMelo. In an appearance on Pardon My Take, Ball offered one of a few brief moments of seriousness in a largely light-hearted, satirical interview.
“No. I couldn’t be baggage. But here’s the thing. If you don’t take my son (based) on how you feel about me, he ain’t supposed to be there anyway. I’m not on the court. People like to make the narrative “Oh he put pressure on them.’ No, no, no. My sons wouldn’t be where they’re at without me.”
The same narrative was used when Lonzo was entering the draft. At that time, though, it was a little more uncertain what role LaVar would attempt to play in his son’s career.
What is known this time around is that LaVar’s impact on his sons’ careers is minimal. While he’ll occasionally speak up and voice displeasure, albeit on a national scale, when things are going wrong, it has always stopped there.
Both the Lakers and Pelicans felt comfortable bringing Lonzo into the franchise regardless of his father and teams will feel the same regarding LaMelo.
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