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2017 NBA Draft: There’s A Long Road Ahead For Lonzo Ball, Thanks To His Dad

By Onie Dator

Feb 25, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) reacts to a call during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center. UCLA won 77-72. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) reacts to a call during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at McKale Center. UCLA won 77-72. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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Entering the 2017 NBA Draft, there’s a long road ahead for Lonzo Ball. And his dad hasn’t made it any easier for the lottery projected prospect.

For many prospects in the highly touted 2017 NBA Draft, it’s greatness or bust. And it isn’t any different for Lonzo Ball.

Although, his dad, LaVar Ball, isn’t making it any easier for the projected lottery pick. LaVar has been making the media rounds and perhaps most interestingly told Undisputed that his son (Lonzo) is better than…wait for it…reigning NBA MVP Stephen Curry.

Lonzo Ball and his path to greatness has been made even harder by his ultra-confident father, who may or may not be speaking for his son. The confidence that Mr. LaVar Ball has for his sons, especially Lonzo, is immense. He, sincerely, believes that his son, Lonzo, is better than Steph and that there is no such thing as pressure in sports, for it is just entertainment.

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"[via Undisputed: Shannon Sharpe and LaVar Ball]LaVar Ball: I believe it? I know it. I know what work my boy put in for me to say that. So, just because somebody else has titles, I’m not disliking Steph Curry or nothing. What he’s done for himself, that’s for him. But, I know what my boy is all about and it is like what I said. Lonzo was the best player in high school. He was the best player in college. You think he’s gonna get to the pros and be like, “I made it to the pros, now I can be average.” We’re coming for everybody."

A Big Why?

Obviously, Lonzo Ball can’t complain about what his dad said to practically everyone on the planet, right? Of course, he can’t. Why? Because he is still with his opinionated Daddy.

Lonzo now has to face the consequences of all these unnecessary pressure and hype being put on him. Even before all these talk happened, people were not even convinced if he was the best player in the draft. In fact, most mock drafts project Markelle Fultz over him.

So, of course, no one buys his dad’s statement that Lonzo is better than Steph Curry. So, my question for Mr. LaVar Ball is why burden your son even more by coming out with these statements? I get it, that these are his opinions and he has all the right to say what he wants. Ok, fine.

Still, did he not realize that it also put his son in a bad spot, in which all eyes are now on Lonzo. Unless, this is what he aimed for all along.

Tough Road Ahead for Lonzo Ball

There are two ways to look at LaVar’s statements: supreme confidence or a total lack of humility?

And honestly, this may haunt him months from now when his son would be suiting up for an NBA franchise that isn’t a good team. Yet, all eyes would be on Lonzo to turn it around and be a savior, all of a sudden.

He would have no room for error as every mistake would be magnified for sure. Lonzo Ball would have to face head-on the Steph Curry comparisons. Ball would also have to answer criticisms regarding his awkward looking shot. Instead of learning and grasping the NBA game slowly but surely, he would come out trying to prove everyone wrong. And the reason for doing so was not even because of him.

Lonzo Ball would only be 20, by then. Would he be a future star or just an average player? Great or just a mere bust? Would he save a franchise or just be the next laughingstock of the league? I, sincerely, do not know, but I do wish him the best. I really hope he gets through this road and succeeds.

Must Read: Ranking The Top 5 Overall Prospects In The 2017 NBA Draft

Still, I am very sure about two things. First, Lonzo Ball’s road to greatness just became even harder due to his dad’s opinions. Secondly, if he falters on the difficult road, then, it would surely be a downward slide towards the wide-open gates of Bust City.