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Many of us want nothing more than for Lonzo Ball to fail fantastically in the NBA if for no other reason than to humble his irrationally obnoxious father, LaVar. A quiet-natured Lonzo has allowed his dad to spearhead an aggressive marketing campaign complete with a brand (Big Baller Brand), $495 sneakers, $220 sandals, all before the dude has donned an NBA uniform. The dude even said that his son is the better option between he and two-time MVP winner Steph Curry. It’s tough not to root against that level of arrogance.
But, according to UCLA teammates Bryce Alford, Lonzo’s reputation has been inaccurately assigned to him solely due to his father’s antics.
Alford said via Bill Oram of Southern California News Group:
“It’s just an unfair thing for Lonzo just because I think he gets a rep he doesn’t deserve. And I don’t want to say anything poorly against LaVar, I think he’s done a good job of getting him ready to be where he’s at and he’s helped him become a great basketball player. So, I don’t want to say anything that way, but he does get a persona that’s just totally not him. He’s an absolutely great kid, great teammate and truly cares about what his teammates are doing more so than himself. So if anything, I hope NBA people can see that.”
Lonzo is a projected top-five pick in the NBA Draft, but daddy only wants him to play for the Lakers. And daddy gets what daddy wants.
[h/t For The Win]