Ex-Lakers Star Lonzo Ball Reveals Honest Thoughts On Anthony Davis Trade

Chicago Bulls star Lonzo Ball spoke about when he was traded for Anthony Davis.

Sep 24, 2018; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball during question and answer session during the Los Angeles Lakers media day at the UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports / Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Lonzo Ball was initially the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of UCLA.

He had a lot of hype coming into the league and was drafted by his hometown Los Angeles Lakers.

That said, Ball was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans after the 2018-19 season.

The 26-year-old recently spoke about the trade on his podcast (The WAE Show).

Ball: "That's the first time that I realized like this is definitely a business. You know? At the same time, it was like it's Anthony Davis. To be fair, I would have traded myself for Anthony Davis."

.@ZO2_ discusses what it’s like to be apart of trade rumors and an actual trade. pic.twitter.com/1elOKfUZrw

— The WAE Show (@TheWAEShow) July 8, 2024

Ball spent two seasons in New Orleans before joining the Chicago Bulls in the summer of 2021.

He has played five seasons in the NBA and has career averages of 11.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.6 steals per contest while shooting 40.0% from the field and 36.4% from the three-point range in 252 games.

Dec 14, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball (2) shake hands after a Cavs win at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports / David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The Lakers got rid of their young core which also featured Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram (in addition to Ball).

They were able to win the 2020 NBA Championship in the first season with Davis.

Apr 29, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) warms up before game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports / Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Ball has been with the Bulls for each of the previous three seasons.

However, he has been unable to play since the 2021-22 season due to injuries.

Lonzo Ball didn't feel any particular way after the Lakers traded him

“I would have traded myself for Anthony Davis.” 😅

(🎥 @TheWAEShow ) pic.twitter.com/59DAMnukqq

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 9, 2024

The Bulls finished the year as the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 39-43 record.

They lost to Tyler Herro and the Miami Heat in the play-in tournament.

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