In his return to Los Angeles on Friday, Lonzo Ball showed out for the Pelicans, scoring a game-high 23 points in a losing effort to the Lakers. After spending two injury-plagued seasons in the purple and gold, Ball has experienced a renaissance of sorts in New Orleans.
After the game, Ball was asked to reminisce upon his time in Los Angeles, which he looks back upon fondly.
“I enjoyed my time here. It’s my hometown. I love playing in front of them. Unfortunately, I was hurt both years which was terrible for me and…the fans. But I wish them the best going forward.”
During his two years in L.A., Ball played in just 99 of a possible 164 possible regular season games. His injury in the 2019-20 season particularly derailed a season in which the Lakers had playoffs hopes in LeBron James’ first season in L.A.
Just as the injuries were lows, the highs were also memorable. James and Ball’s dual triple-doubles against Charlotte was historical and one of the most memorable accomplishments in Ball’s relatively short professional career.
His fond feelings toward L.A. and lack of harsh feelings, at least publically, toward the Lakers does leave open the possibility of a return to Los Angeles somewhere down the line as well.