LaVar Ball reveals SHOCKING reason why Lakers drafted son Lonzo over Jayson Tatum in the 2017 NBA draft

LaVar Ball also claimed Lakers legend Magic Johnson admired his son Lonzo Ball's game style.

LaVar Ball reveals SHOCKING reason why Lakers drafted son Lonzo over Jayson Tatum in the 2017 NBA draft

Lonzo Ball and LaVar Ball. (Credit-USA Today)

LaVar Ball, father of Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball recently disclosed a shocking reason behind the Los Angeles Lakers‘ decision to draft his son Ball over Jayson Tatum in the 2017 NBA draft.

As per LaVar, the reason the Lakers chose his son, Lonzo, over Tatum was due to pressure from sponsors. Ball claimed he heard whispers indicating that sponsors were exerting influence on the Lakers organization, urging them to select Lonzo as the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

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In his recent interview with VLADTV, LaVar stated, “How can it not be in the plan, I’m that good! The fact that if I got my son looking at you. He at UCLA, you in the Lakers’ backyard. The Lakers is doing raggedy. Any top pick going to a raggedy team…Word on the thing was man, we not going to renew the contract for the TV rights for the Lakers if you don’t get this boy Lonzo, who is in your backyard… Now I can really talk crazy. I guarantee you, my son going to the Lakers.“

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Furthermore, LaVar focussed on the significance of Lonzo’s compatibility with Lakers legend Magic Johnson. He asserted that if Johnson had been the coach at the time, Lonzo would still be playing for the Lakers. He also highlighted the similarities between Lonzo’s and Magic’s game, both being tall playmakers who excelled at pushing the pace and involving their teammates.

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Lonzo Ball shares his Injury history and sets return date to the NBA

At the recent Chicago Bulls media day, point guard Lonzo Ball took an important role, not to discuss this coming season and upcoming games, but to share insights about his imminent return to the basketball court after fighting with a series of knee surgeries. Despite his setbacks caused by injuries, the 25-year-old guard spoke with unshakable determination. He vowed to comeback stronger the next season and resume playing, citing the progress he’s made in his rehabilitation journey, highlighting the absence of any setbacks thus far.

Lonzo Ball. (Credit- NBA.com)

Ball’s journey has been fraught with a lot of challenges regarding his fitness, particularly his recent and third knee surgery, a cartilage transplant, in March. Rumors had circulated after his second surgery, suggesting he struggled with fundamental athletic movements like running, jumping and even attempting a basic standing dunk.

His absence from the court has been prolonged, dating back to January 14, 2022. As a result of this, he missed 42 games in the 2021-22 season and the entire 2022-23 season, raising concerns about his participation in the upcoming NBA season. Yet, Ball’s spirit remains unbroken and strong as ever as he prepares himself for a resilient comeback, setting his sights on the highly anticipated 2024-25 season.

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