Source: Jack Arent / Getty
Just days after drawing a comparison between Lonzo Ball’s troubles and his own problems upon entering the NBA, the King faced off against the rookie.
The Cavs took home the dub in the 121-112 game, but the Lakers put up a good fight. LeBron James put on a show and recorded his 59th career triple-double, which consisted of a bunch of posterizing dunks and drained three-pointers. But the best moment came after the game, when James dapped up the young guys on the Lakers squad and made a point to chop it up with Ball. James covered his mouth with his jersey as the cameras hovered so no one could make out what he was saying, but Ball was listening intently.
When the media asked Bron what he told the rookie after the game, he gave a very LeBron answer: “None of y’all business.”
Ball was also asked about the conversation, and the often quiet rookie said, “He didn’t tell me anything.”
But a hot mic picked up what Bron actually said to Ball, and it was about ignoring the criticism and just focusing on the game.
“Find your zone and just stay f*cking locked in,” James said according to the New York Post. “The media is going to ask you what I told you right now.… Just be aggressive every single day.”
The admiration the two have for each other has played out in the media over the past few months. Ball has admitted he’s a huge fan of James, as he idolized him from the time he was young. James watched Ball in a Las Vegas summer league game and has praised the rookie for his selfless playing style.
The face-off could also be a peek into the future of the burgeoning Lakers squad, which has a few good players who—once developed—could make the team a force in the Western Conference. The Lakers show is also looking at a few big stars to sign in the off-season. Who’s at the top of their list? LeBron James. With his contract coming to an end next year, he could very well make a move out West and Hollywood LeBron could actually become a thing.
