Lonzo Ball, right, is greeted by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected by the Los Angeles Lakers as the No. 2 overall pick during the 2017 NBA Draft. AP
Say what you want, but Lonzo Ball is living the life the big baller way.
Drawing heavy media fanfare throughout his journey to the 2017 NBA Draft, the UCLA standout got what he wanted as dons the purple and gold this season after the Los Angeles Lakers picked him second Thursday (Friday Manila time).
The 19-year-old Ball is looking forward to representing his hometown and play for a proud franchise like the Lakers.
“I’m just thankful for everybody helping me get here and I’m truly blessed to be able to play for my hometown,” said the Anaheim, California-born guard.
His father, Lavar, has repeatedly expressed his family’s desire to have the eldest Ball child to play for the 16-time NBA champions. Now, everything is real as they will see Lonzo hit the same floor legends like Kobe Bryant played on.
“It felt great. You know, my dad was right there, my brothers. I know mom is watching at home and all the rest of my family. They’re all supportive, and like I said, I’m just truly blessed to be in this position. I feel good. Tonight was supposed to be a good night and it definitely was,” he said.
Adding to Ball’s excitement is a chance to mingle with Laker great and current president of basketball operations Magic Johnson as he hopes to pick the brain of the five-time NBA champion.
“I don’t think there’s one thing you can learn from him. Just everything he’s going to teach me is going to be useful. Obviously he’s the best point guard to ever play, so I’m looking to go in there and just learn from day one,” said the 6-foot-6 playmaker. “There’s never going to be another Magic Johnson, so I’m trying to be myself, but if I can come halfway short of him, you know it’s going to be good.”
But for now, all Ball wants is to buckle down to work and help the Lakers reclaim their lost glory.
“That should be a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to meeting all those guys and getting on the court with them and trying to win. Right now, I’m just focused on playing and I just want to get on the court,” he said.