LaVar Ball’s overbearing persona may be affecting some people’s perception of Lonzo Ball’s stock — and Jerry Colangelo, the Philadelphia 76ers‘ advisor, is among that potential group.
Most mock drafts have remained consistent amidst the firestorm of ludicrousness that stems from LaVar Ball. His eldest son, Lonzo, remains a consensus top two talent on many draft boards, while the Los Angeles Lakers — who hold the second overall pick — have long been rumored to favor Ball above the rest. And while some of the certainty surrounding that selection has dissipated, the L.A. native is still favored to stay in his home town.
A Royal Pain
Should he fall to the Philadelphia 76ers at three, though, Jerry Colangelo may have some concerns.
In a recent appearance on the Carlin & Reese Radio Show, the father of GM Bryan Colangelo had this to say in regards to Ball.
"“I think (Lonzo) Ball is a terrific prospect… (but) I think it’s going to be challenge with the people around him… I don’t think teams should bypass (Lonzo Ball) because they have those concerns. At the end of the day, what wins in this league is talent,” via Carlin & Reese"
While the latter part of that sentiment certainly keeps Lonzo Ball well within the discussion come draft night, the overarching concerns with LaVar’s presence may be increasing as June gets underway. After denying a $10 million shoe deal with the likes of Nike and adidas in favor of kickstarting his own makeshift brand, LaVar’s constant presence could worry some teams — both in the front office and from a coaching perspective.
LaVar already generated controversy during Lonzo’s tenure at UCLA, chalking up losses to the likes of T.J. Leaf, Thomas Welsch and Bryce Alford — because they’re white.
"“Realistically, you can’t win no championship with three white guys because the foot speed is too slow. I told Lonzo – ‘One of these games you might need to go for 30 or 40 points.’ It turned out the that was the one game. Then once they get to the Elite 8, they’re right there.” via Uproxx"
More Draft: Should the Sixers Worry About LaVar Ball?
Lonzo is already going to have a target on his back at the next level, largely due to the haphazard comments that LaVar continues to churn out. Dubbing him better than Stephen Curry while slating him as the player best prepared to overtake Michael Jordan not only overstates his stock, but upsets other players around the league.
If he comes out with comments like the one mentioned above — where he specifically goes after Lonzo’s teammates — that could then provide the catalyst for unwarranted friction in the locker room.
By all accounts, Lonzo himself is a wonderful kid, while his on-court approach is among the most cerebral and well-calculated we’ve seen out of a potential draftee in years. He has an innate understanding of how to maximize the effectiveness of the teammates around him, and showcased the ability to operate in numerous different capacities in order to do so while playing with the Bruins.
Next: The Potential of Lonzo Ball
If LaVar’s presence becomes all-consuming, however, the expectations and negative press generated could have an adverse affect not only on his production, but how that production is perceived. While the entrepreneurial spirit is admirable, LaVar is quickly working Lonzo into a rut. He’s turning his son into the enemy, and that’s never a good place to start your career.