Lonzo Ball is once again making headlines.
After catching the eye with a career-high 33 points in the New Orleans Pelicans’ last game, Ball’s recent comments in an interview with Stadium‘s Shams Charania are also starting to gain traction.
Pelicans‘ Lonzo Ball sits down with @Stadium amid career year: “Being an All-Star is definitely my next goal on the list and I think that should be coming up pretty soon.” Also: Reconstructing jumper, lessons from a Lakers meeting speaking up for Julius Randle, LaMelo, more. pic.twitter.com/vo8VrlfLUO
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 3, 2021
Ball’s next individual goal in the NBA is to become an all-star. The current New Orleans point guard wasn’t shy about it either, saying that he sees this “coming up pretty soon.” So is this statement truly viable or is it just a page out of his father LaVar’s playbook?
It is undeniable that Ball’s tremendous improvement has been a highlight of the Pelicans’ up-and-down season. The former UCLA guard has consistently been the third-best player on the team behind Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. On some nights, such as against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he can step into either of their roles.
The Pelicans will have a big decision to make this off-season. Ball will be an unrestricted free agent, so while New Orleans ultimately controls his future, a huge offer from another team could see Ball leaving the Smoothie King Center. Teams such as the New York Knicks or the Chicago Bulls are rumored to be in the mix.
For now, Ball is just concentrating on finishing the regular season. The Pelicans are still in the play-in tournament hunt, even if it appears unlikely. The upcoming games against the Golden State Warriors should provide some clarity and, if his last few outings are an indicator, Ball should be in store for some good games.
This uptick in play from the New Orleans point guard can be broadly attributed to two things: the improvement in his shot and his new role.