John Wall #2 of the Washington Wizards reacts against the Boston Celtics during Game 7 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semi-Finals at TD Garden on May 15, 2017, in Boston, Massachusetts. AFP
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton made it known last week that NBA players would be after his prized rookie Lonzo Ball due to the hype surrounding him.
READ: NBA: Coach Luke Walton admits players ‘come after’ Lonzo Ball due to hype
Ahead of the Washington Wizards matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, John Wall echoed the same sentiments on the young point guard, whom he’ll be facing off for the first time.
When asked about his thoughts on the 19-year-old UCLA product, Wall once again addressed the impact of Ball’s outspoken father, LaVar, who lit up headlines in the off-season with his often outlandish remarks.
“I think his dad put him in a situation where guys are going to target him,” the four-time NBA All-Star said on the “Wizards Tipoff” podcast. “Lonzo is one of those kids that is very talented. He’s been a good player for years, he just don’t say much. I think his dad does all the talking for him.”
Although he does not share the same admiration for the Ball patriarch, Wall admitted that Lonzo is a special talent with a possibly bright future in the league.
“He’s a great kid from what I’ve seen on the outside looking in,” Wall said. “A lot of people in this league are going to take it personally. It’s not the son’s fault. He went back and had a better game.That’s all he’s gotta do is go out there and play. He’s not gonna do any talking anyway. If he gets killed or don’t get killed or kills somebody, he’s not going to be the guy talking.”
After a rather uninspiring NBA debut against the Los Angeles Clippers, Ball bounced back with 29 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists in a victory against the Phoenix Suns.
He followed the performance with 8 points, 8 boards and 13 assists in a loss against the Pelicans on Monday. Khristian Ibarrola /ra