LaVar Ball on why son Lonzo is perfect for Lakers: ‘They really don’t have a leader’

NBA prospect Lonzo Ball speaks with the media after a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Sports Center on June 7, 2017 in El Segundo, California. Image: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images/AFP

Following several conflicting reports regarding the Los Angeles Lakers’ interest with blue chip prospect Lonzo Ball, his father LaVar once again chimed in on why his son would be better off in Purple and Gold.

With the Lakers picking second in the 2017 NBA Draft next week, June 22, LaVar described the former UCLA Bruin as the leader that the team desperately needs.

“Team-wise, the Lakers are a better fit,” the outspoken patriarch said during CSN’s “Celtics Talk” podcast, as relayed by Bleacher Report.

“They really don’t have a leader. Boston already went to the playoffs. They have a leader,” he said, pertaining to the Celtics who holds the first selection.

During an exclusive workout with the Lakers earlier this week, Lonzo said the same thing and described himself as “a leader and a point guard”  that would fill the team’s needs moving forward.

READ: Lonzo Ball works out for Lakers, would love to be no. 2 pick

The father and son duo, meanwhile, hasn’t been shy at all on airing their preference to stay close to their home in California.

“All I said was that my boy is going to play for the Lakers, and I’m going to speak it into existence,” LaVar told ESPN last February. “I want him to be a Laker, but I wasn’t saying he’s only going to play for the Lakers.”

It remains unclear whether Lonzo will indeed be a Laker or not, but all eyes will certainly be on him come next Thursday. Khristian Ibarrola/JB

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