{"id":82220,"date":"2024-06-21T09:30:42","date_gmt":"2024-06-21T13:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=82220"},"modified":"2024-06-21T01:24:02","modified_gmt":"2024-06-21T05:24:02","slug":"lakers-rumors-if-former-pg-is-bought-out-should-la-pursue-lonzo-ball","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/21\/lakers-rumors-if-former-pg-is-bought-out-should-la-pursue-lonzo-ball\/","title":{"rendered":"Lakers Rumors: If Former PG is Bought Out, Should LA Pursue?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Chicago Bulls and OKC Thunder <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/20\/chicago-bulls-oklahoma-city-thunder-alex-caruso-josh-giddey-trade\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shocked the NBA world Thursday<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by swapping <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/carusal01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alex Caruso<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/giddejo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Josh Giddey<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The trade not only fortified OKC\u2019s defense and Chicago\u2019s facilitator depth, but also offered the Bulls some insurance in case their time with point guard <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/balllo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lonzo Ball<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is up. New reporting suggests that reality could come sooner than later.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Lonzo Ball&#39;s tenure with Chicago is likely nearing an end, and a buyout is possible, per <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DarnellMayberry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@DarnellMayberry<\/a> <\/p>\n<p>\u201cGiddey\u2019s acquisition also further clouds the Bulls\u2019 plans for recovering point guard Lonzo Ball, who hasn\u2019t played since January 2022 but is expected to make a comeback\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/JhHfLtsJke\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/JhHfLtsJke<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TheDunkCentral\/status\/1803960810714337295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 21, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><b>Lakers Rumors: If Former PG is Bought Out, Should LA Pursue?<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Background<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ball last played on Jan. 14, 2022, when the Bulls took on the Golden State Warriors and lost 138-96. He tallied 15 points, two rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes. After tearing his meniscus that game\u2014the same one he tore with the Lakers in 2018\u2014multiple surgeries and subsequent recovery have caused him to miss the last two and a half seasons. His 2021-22 campaign saw him play and start in 35 games. He averaged 13 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.1 assists on .423\/.423\/.750 splits in that span.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">.<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ZO2_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@ZO2_<\/a> breaks down his injury for the first time. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Igl7qjS2Vi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/Igl7qjS2Vi<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; The WAE Show (@TheWAEShow) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TheWAEShow\/status\/1794037972737884270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 24, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although Ball has progressed into on-court work, his lack of availability has left the Bulls searching for stability at point guard. They seem to have found it with Giddey, but the trade has led to questions about Ball\u2019s future with the franchise. Lonzo recently opted into his $21 million Player Option for next season. However, with Chicago acquiring Giddey and growing concerns over Ball\u2019s health, many wonder if that game against the Warriors was his last one in a Bulls uniform.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Lakers-Lonzo Reunion?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If this is officially the end of Lonzo Ball\u2019s time in Chicago, some Lakers fans have pointed to the purple and gold as a potential landing spot if he gets bought out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Lakers, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/06\/20\/__trashed-6\/\" target=\"_self\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">who finally have their head coach<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/redicjj01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">JJ Redick<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, could entertain the possibility of reuniting with their former no. 2 pick. In two seasons with the team, the UCLA product averaged 10 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game on .380\/.315\/.437 splits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assuming Lonzo is at 100% prior to the start of next season, it would not hurt to take a flier on him once again\u2014especially if it\u2019s significantly cheaper than the $20 million he made last year. Ball showed plenty of promise when he was healthy, serving as the Bulls\u2019 perfect playmaker next to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lavinza01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zach LaVine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/derozde01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DeMar DeRozan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. His familiarity with Los Angeles and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jamesle01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LeBron James<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an obvious bonus, and with his improved three-point shooting, there\u2019s no doubt he\u2019d fill the team\u2019s point guard depth like a charm. Adding <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/davisan02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anthony Davis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0this time around could make for a troubling trio out west.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Lonzo Ball looking real good, we love to see it!  <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/UxLcfG4Q1d\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/UxLcfG4Q1d<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; \ud835\udc13. (@TLovesSports) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TLovesSports\/status\/1791141575717953661?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 16, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And as for whether he\u2019d fit with LA\u2019s newest leader? There\u2019s an answer for that, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\u201cI\u2019ve played with JJ I know him personally he\u2019s one of the smartest guys I know I think it\u2019s a good move &amp; he already cool with Bron.. he put in real time in the league.. he\u2019s a (basketball) legend\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Lonzo Ball on JJ Redick coaching the Lakers <\/p>\n<p>(<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TheWAEShow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@TheWAEShow<\/a>) <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/JfPmTUlgjC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/JfPmTUlgjC<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; \u00b2\u00b3 (@SpeakContext) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SpeakContext\/status\/1796294872330068103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 30, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the stars align, Ball could be an ideal starting guard on a team-friendly contract, or at least ramp up to one to begin the season. However, there are legitimate concerns about his health following such a lengthy absence. It\u2019s why while some fans may welcome him back with open arms, others are more skeptical and believe that the ship has already sailed. The Lakers are prioritizing health next to LeBron and AD. Adding Ball to this roster would only make for a &#8220;high-risk, high-reward&#8221; scenario that may not even pan out in the first place.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The Bulls might buyout Lonzo Ball, via <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DarnellMayberry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@DarnellMayberry<\/a> \ud83e\udd10<\/p>\n<p>If they do, with the assumption Lonzo can be healthy, I\u2019d easily take a flier on him for the Lakers. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/vUMIl4OwE2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/vUMIl4OwE2<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; \ud835\ude49\ud835\ude3c\ud835\ude45 (@najeeadams_) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/najeeadams_\/status\/1803961622525866264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 21, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Lonzo Ball on a vet min. thank you \ud83d\ude0a\u263a\ufe0f <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/c3gUVSE5PQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/c3gUVSE5PQ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; \ud83e\udd89 Lakers Vino (@VinoUncorked) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/VinoUncorked\/status\/1803968544951939339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 21, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Too much of a risk. Would need to see his movement. We don\u2019t want to end up like the Warriors with Klay Thompson.<\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Dr. Paco Hinton Jr Podcaster (@DrPacoHinton) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DrPacoHinton\/status\/1791733956649353597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 18, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Before the knee injuries yes, but now nah I\u2019m good <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/YvxzzqPfCh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/YvxzzqPfCh<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Maallymal (@Jamaal_lv) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Jamaal_lv\/status\/1792013350865661995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 19, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><b>The Last Word<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though a reunion with Lonzo Ball might work for the Lakers, it doesn&#8217;t seem worth it considering what he&#8217;s gone through in the past couple seasons. Even when he was a Laker, Ball only played in 99 games over his two seasons in LA, and he has yet to play more than 65 games in his career. There are also other, healthier point guards out there\u2014both on the Lakers and in free agency\u2014that wouldn\u2019t make a pursuit of Zo worthwhile for Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Chicago Bulls and OKC Thunder shocked the NBA world Thursday by swapping Alex Caruso and Josh Giddey. The trade not only fortified OKC\u2019s defense and Chicago\u2019s facilitator depth, but also offered the Bulls some insurance in case their time with point guard Lonzo Ball is up. New reporting suggests that reality could come sooner [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4265,"featured_media":81804,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,8,26,62],"tags":[240,350,2279,4276,38,667,297,457],"class_list":["post-82220","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-bulls","category-lakers","category-nba","tag-anthony-davis","tag-demar-derozan","tag-jj-redick","tag-josh-giddey","tag-lebron-james","tag-lonzo-ball","tag-nba-free-agency","tag-zach-lavine"],"modified_by":"Jordan Pagkalinawan","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82220","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4265"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=82220"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82220\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/81804"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=82220"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=82220"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=82220"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}