Earlier this season, the Los Angeles Lakers made a notable trade, sending D’Angelo Russell back to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith. Nearly a month later, the Lakers could be in pursuit of another trade, one that sends a familiar face back to the team–Lonzo Ball.
According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Lakers could have interest in bringing the UCLA alum back to the team (YouTube link). Buha mentions that Ball checks a lot of boxes for the Lakers on both sides of the ball.
“I think Lonzo is someone that’s going to be on their radar, and I think depending on the price if you could get him for a second or two seconds, I think that’s an interesting swing, and also someone with that 6’6” frame that could potentially I think be similar to Bruce Brown, check a couple boxes…he’s bulked up a little bit throughout his career, so he can guard twos and even some smaller threes and potentially be part of a one-through-three switching scheme. And then offensively I think especially coming off the bench as a secondary ball-handler, playmaker and also a spot-up shooter, I think he’s someone who’s an interesting gamble for them.”
The Lakers drafted Ball with the No. 2 pick in 2017. Los Angeles shipped him out to the New Orleans Pelicans after two seasons as part of the Anthony Davis trade. Since then, Ball has turned into a legitimate two-way player who impacts the game at all levels.
Los Angeles Lakers Pursuing Reunion With Former Guard?
Lonzo Ball’s Season So Far
The former Laker missed two-and-a-half years due to injury but has played in 24 games so far this season. Though the Chicago Bulls are still playing it cautious with Ball (he has yet to play 27 or more minutes in a game), it is clear that he still provides value. On the year, he is averaging 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 steals in 20.5 minutes. Additionally, with Coby White‘s injury, Ball has started three games in the last couple of weeks. In December, Ball said he would like “to play more.” However, he also acknowledged that they have “to be smart” in the process and not rush into things.
“I can do a lot in 20 minutes,” Ball said. “Obviously I want to play more, but we’ve got to be smart. It’s gonna be a slow process. I knew that. I just want to play.”
It is unclear if the Bulls plan on giving him fewer restrictions if they do not trade him. Regardless, Ball has been mostly healthy this season and could be ready to ramp it up.
Lonzo Ball Speaks On Potential Los Angeles Lakers Return
Just a few days ago, Ball was asked about possibly playing in Los Angeles again. The 27-year-old said he never thought about it. Instead, he focuses on the present, not the future.
Reporter: “Do you ever think about playing back [in L.A.] again?”
Lonzo Ball: “Nah. Wherever I’m at, that’s what I focus on. I try not to look ahead into the future, and just take it day by day.”
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/gZWuhScF5b
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 22, 2025
As it stands, his present is in Chicago. With the trade deadline looming, however, things could change soon.
