New Orleans Pelicans: Lonzo Ball is where he wants to be

We heard about Lonzo Ball and his feelings for the New Orleans Pelicans from pretty much everyone over the trade deadline except for Lonzo himself.

Anonymous sources claimed Lonzo hated New Orleans as a city and his very not anonymous father said the same, even though Lonzo Ball had never said these things himself.

There has been nearly non-stop drama with the New Orleans Pelicans this season, with the most recent episode involving J.J. Redick and how he was allegedly treated by the front office.

Which is why it was nice to hear Lonzo Ball have some nice things to say about his situation when speaking with members of the press for the first time since the trade deadline.

According to Andrew Lopez of ESPN, Lonzo Ball had this to say about his current team:

"“It was definitely in my mind. I was prepared for anything. I know a lot of people were calling,” Ball told reporters Wednesday, his first time speaking since the deadline. “But ultimately, what happened was supposed to happen and I’m where I’m supposed to be at.”"

Lonzo went on to say this about his teammates:

"“I’m just comfortable here,” Ball said. “I also love playing with [Zion Williamson] and [Brandon Ingram]. We have a lot of young guys. I think we can be good in the time coming.”"

These don’t sound like the words of a player who is unhappy with his team. Of course, things could change.

New Orleans Pelicans: Lonzo Ball contract will dominate the headlines

Unfortunately, the New Orleans Pelicans are going to be dealing with this Lonzo drama until he either leaves in free agency or signs an extension to stay.

He is saying all of the right things, as it wouldn’t help his situation to bad mouth the front office or his teammates, but it does seem like Lonzo Ball genuinely likes playing with Zion and B.I.

And why wouldn’t he? Lonzo Ball is very talented but is best suited as a complementary player and not the star of a team, which is exactly what he will be in New Orleans.

He will probably still get his $20 million per season, can grow with teammates who are the same age and play with a guy who has already shown he can be a generational superstar.

Did you ever hear Scottie Pippen complain about playing with Michael Jordan?

Lonzo has a chance to be a part of something special in New Orleans and I believe him when he says he is happy.

Hopefully the drama will cool off and Lonzo will come back to the lineup to help the Pels on their quest for the playoffs.

Until then, we should at least be happy that Lonzo Ball is not the one causing any of this gossip and drama and that he actually wants to be on the New Orleans Pelicans.