Lakers concerned about toll on Lonzo due to LaVar's antics
What's the story?
The Los Angeles Lakers are concerned about the toll that is being taken by Lonzo Ball due to LaVar Ball’s stunts.
In case you didn't know...
LaVar Ball recently made comments about the Lakers head coach, Luke Walton, saying that he had lost the confidence of his players.
The heart of the matter...
According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, some of the people in the Lakers organization are concerned about the fact that the 20-year-old rookie has to answer some of the antics of his father and the toll that is taking on Lonzo.
LaVar’s most rowdy stunt yet as far as the Lakers are concerned has been when he suggested over the weekend that the team has checked out on head coach Luke Walton. This aroused a series of counterblasts between father and son while Lonzo attempted to distance himself from all the raucous.
Lonzo has alluded to the controversies created by his father in the past but now is more concerned about improving his game.
"That is just his opinion," Ball said of LaVar's remarks Sunday, via the OC Register's Bill Oram."(LaVar) has coached me his whole life. So, he is definitely going to have a strong opinion about it. That's just what it is."
The Lakers have already told LaVar to tone down his public criticism of Walton and are trying to keep reporters away from him. Lonzo has improved his shooting since the month of December after a poor start. His court vision remains strong as he is averaging 7 dimes per game.
What's next?
The Lakers are struggling right now and are currently the second last team in the Western Conference. The Lakers after losing 9 in a row have won their last two. They face the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday before they head on a 3 game road trip.
Author's take
It would be better for the Lonzo and the Lakers if LaVar would mind his own business and let his son develop into the player that he wants to become rather than putting more pressure on the rookie.