Despite being hailed as one of the up-and-coming stars of the Los Angeles Lakers, Lonzo Ball was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in a blockbuster deal that sent Anthony Davis to the Lakers. While this might be disheartening to the young guard, he still believes that everything must go on. Ball recently said that he is ready for a fresh start with the Pelicans and that he is excited to start working with the organization.
Ball was drafted second overall by the Lakers in 2017. The young guard was deemed by many as one of the pillars that will eventually restore the organization's dynasty. However, in an unfortunate turn of events, Ball was one of the three players that were dealt to the Pelicans in exchange for Davis.
There are rumors going around the league claiming that LeBron James may have been pulling some strings in order to make sure that Davis ends up with the Lakers. However, these rumors will most likely remain as rumors as both organizations and James denied it.
As for Ball, he is excited to start fresh with his new team. In a statement with ESPN, Ball said, "I was kind of excited, honestly. I kind of figured someone was going to get moved soon enough. I know Anthony Davis wanted to come bad. Anytime you can get a guy like that, you are going to have to do what you have to do to get him."
Ball added that since rumors started that Davis was bent on going to Lakers, he had already told himself that he might be one of the chips that will be dealt as part of the trade. Nevertheless, he is still happy that he was traded alongside two of his teammates, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart, adding that he is comfortable with the two.
While some might say that the trade was unfair, Ball going into the Pelicans is actually a good thing. He is now in a great position to play with Zion Williamson, the first overall pick of this year's NBA Draft. Williamson is widely seen as a game-changing player, Ball on the point guard position calling the plays is a big break for the young star.
Regarding his new role, Ball said that he is excited to play with the reigning Naismith Play of the Year. The Pelicans, despite having a young roster, with Williamson on the helm, will have an interesting season.
