Outrageous claims seem to be the norm for LaVar Ball. Every single day it seems Ball is on a talk show or doing an interview of some sort praising his kids or making bold statements and his recent appearance on ESPN’s First Take was no different.
On Thursday, LaVar took it one step further by claiming that his son, UCLA star Lonzo Ball, will have the same impact on the Los Angeles Lakers than Magic Johnson had on the storied franchise as a player:
“Lonzo will have that same impact that Magic had,” LaVar Ball said on ESPN’s First Take. “I’m trying to tell you. Same impact.”
Ball is currently getting a lot of headlines during the NCAA Tournament due to his great play. Lonzo has played so well that many believe he could be the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft as a result of his impressive performances for the Bruins.
With the Lakers potentially having one of the top three picks in the upcoming draft, Ball could be there for the taking. Lonzo’s father, LaVar, has already come out and said he wants his son to play for the Lakers.
Ironically enough, Magic will now help decide whether Ball is the right fit for the Lakers when it comes down to the NBA Draft if the team can retain their pick and Lonzo isn’t off the board once Los Angeles is on the clock.
In the meantime, Lonzo will try to continue to impress during the NCAA Tournament with UCLA set to face their toughest challenge yet during the tourney against Malik Monk and the Kentucky Wildcats on Friday in the Sweet Sixteen. Magic will be in attendance for that game to evaluate Ball as well as Monk and any other draft prospects he and general manager Rob Pelinka may have their eyes on.
