Nike wants Lonzo Ball, but not for father’s asking price of $1B

Lonzo Ball. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP

Former UCLA player Lonzo Ball will surely receive tons of attention this off season after declaring for the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft.

READ: Lonzo Ball done at UCLA, headed to NBA

With superstardom a definite possibility for the 19-year-old guard, sponsorship deals would no doubt come his way sooner rather than later.

His meteoric rise has already caught the eye of the world’s premiere sports brand Nike, as the company’s co-founder Phil Knight expressed his interest on signing the eldest of the famed Ball brothers.

However, the sports giant won’t be adhering to the preposterous $1 billion demanded by the teen’s outspoken father LaVar.

“It’s a little steep,” the Nike exec told USA Today.  “He’s an awfully great player. Yeah, we have an interest.”

Ball, who’s projected to be a top three pick this June, dazzled college basketball with his NBA-ready frame, smooth shooting and slick passes.

He’s also become one of the most publicized prospects next season, after several outlandish remarks made by his father.

Still, Knight won’t fault LaVar for asking such a high price, and actually said he applauds his effort. As if to encourage LaVar, Knight remarked, “If he can get it, get it.” Khristian Ibarrola/JB

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