Lonzo Ball entered the NBA with high expectations, aided chiefly by the unproven claims made by his father LaVar, and on to his third season, there is little sign the Pelicans guard could deliver as promised and soon. Partly to blame is Ball's struggle with injuries and when he is healthy enough, he seemed unable to play with a high level of consistency.
Ball is not a prized asset at New Orleans at the moment, and there are talks he could be on the move again after being traded by the Lakers.
"The New Orleans Pelicans could make Lonzo Ball available before the 2020 trade deadline," Bleacher Report said.
The stats on Ball in the season are unimpressive and unlikely to convince the Pelicans front office the former Lakers, who was No. 2 pick in his rookie year, is a sound investment for the long-term. If the struggling team will need to make adjustments in order to win more games, it has to be Ball on the trading block first.
Despite Ball falling short of expectations, teams that closely watch might just realize the potentials wrapped on the guard. For one thing, Ball is only 22, and, when afforded, the chance could be a "versatile contributor."
Fadeaway World said Ball boasts of "elite playmaking abilities" that were seen while playing college basketball, and he can surely help out in denying scores from the opposing team. Clearly, there will be teams wanting to take a look if the rumors are correct that Ball could be exiting from New Orleans soon.
A likely suitable destination for the guard is Portland, where he could come off the bench and direct the team's offensive run. The Trail Blazers are grappling to achieve steadiness despite the arrival of Carmelo Anthony, but the playoffs remain on the horizon for the team.
For Ball becoming part of a playoff-bound team will be quite a booster, possibly the prompt he's been looking for to gain more confidence in his gameplay.
The Timberwolves are reportedly hunting for a point guard, a role that Ball can play to the hilt. With Minnesota, Ball will possibly take on a leadership position on and off the court. He can lead the team to tread more on the winning course and toughen up its defensive wall.
The New York Knicks would be a good place for Ball to further grow as with the team, opportunities abound. The Knicks are on the rebuilding path, and rooms are available for Ball there to show off and prove he is a flash in the pan.
