Lonzo Ball Shares Honest Thoughts on Lakers Trading Him And Other Rising Talents for Anthony Davis

Lonzo Ball has made a name for himself as one of the best facilitators in the NBA. He is currently the Cleveland Cavaliers' backup point guard, but early in his career, he had the potential to be a star. It started when he was drafted No. 2 by the LA Lakers in 2017, but he never reached his true potential with the organization.

Ball only played two seasons with the Lakers before the organization traded him to the New Orleans Pelicans. The team wanted to compete for a championship after LeBron James joined the team in 2018. The former UCLA guard wasn't the only player traded to the Pelicans.

Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and three first-round picks were part of the deal. In exchange, the Lakers secured Anthony Davis and won the 2020 championship.

On Tuesday's episode of "Ball in the Family Podcast," the Cavaliers guard looked back on his time in LA. Ball thought the Lakers shouldn't have pursued the trade since the team's young core at the time showed potential.

“I think they should have just maybe just kept all these picks and just see how it would have went, but I mean they still got the ring so, you know, worked out for them,” Ball said (Timestamp: 39:20).

After Lonzo Ball's stint with the Lakers, he played two seasons for the Pelicans. He had his best season in 2020-21. In 55 games, Ball averaged 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists. Following that, he joined the Chicago Bulls but played only one season. He struggled with injuries during his last two years in Chicago.

Ingram won the Most Improved Player award in his first season with the Pelicans and was also named an All-Star. After six years, the Duke forward is now with the Toronto Raptors. Hart, meanwhile, played for various teams as a valuable role player and is now an important piece for the New York Knicks.

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How has Lonzo Ball impacted the Cavaliers this season?

Due to injuries, Lonzo Ball has taken a backseat with the Cavaliers. As the backup to Darius Garland, Ball has been a reliable contributor to the team. In 15 games, he is averaging 6.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.2 assists.

Ball has made only 30.6% of his field goals, indicating poor shooting. Even from beyond the arc, the 6-foot-6 guard is shooting a career-worst 28.4%.

Despite his struggles shooting the basketball, he has provided stability for the Cavaliers. Whenever Garland is on the bench, the team is comfortable having Lonzo Ball take the lead.