Oct 24, 2018; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (right) greets teammate Lonzo Ball against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesFormer Los Angeles Lakers lottery pick Lonzo Ball, now a reserve guard for the Chicago Bulls, has a hot take on his former L.A. teammate LeBron James.
The 21-time All-Star power forward, the league’s oldest active player at age 40, hasn’t made it out of the first round since 2023, and hasn’t quite looked like his prime self in a few seasons.Still, Ball believes that James — next to whom Ball played during James’ first Lakers season, way back in 2018-19 — remains the face of the modern NBA.
Ball voiced his opinion on “The WAE Show,” the podcast he cohosts with brother LiAngelo Ball, DMO and Anthony Salaz”I still think it’s Bron, personally,” Ball said. “If you turn your TV on, you’re gonna see something about Bron or the Lakers every single day… When you think about the NBA, like who the first name come into your mind type s—.”
James remains an impactful scorer and a narrative-driving star, even if his athleticism has declined, his defense has dropped, and his endurance has notably sagged.ar