Media

LaMelo Ball ‘not really’ excited about facing LeBron James for first time in career

Published by
Robert Marvi

One would think that every NBA rookie would be incredibly excited about playing against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time.

However, Charlotte Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball has a more blasé mindset about facing off against the four-time MVP.

“I mean, nah,” Ball, 19, told reporters on a videoconference Tuesday ahead of the Hornets’ game against the Lakers on Thursday. “I grew up a little different. Not really on basketball like that. So, not really.”

To be fair, Ball did say that “it will be cool” to take the court against James, but he added that he’s treating the contest pretty much like any other contest.

“I go to every game with the same approach — going in to try to get a win,” Ball said.

Ball is having a strong campaign for the Hornets, averaging 15.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game on the season.

As a result, his team has a 20-18 record and is looking like a playoff-caliber squad.

While many young players these days, such as Ball’s older brother Lonzo, grew up idolizing James, LaMelo Ball’s idol never even played in the NBA.

“It was my pops,” LaMelo Ball said when asked if he had a role model the way his brother looked up to James. “So, I was big on family and stuff like that. Not really with the basketball.”

Lonzo Ball, of course, got to play with James during the 2018-19 season.

Robert Marvi

Robert is a native of Santa Monica, Calif., and a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has been an avid NBA fan since he was a little kid in the mid '90s and fell in love with the Nick Van Exel-led Lakers teams. He truly cherishes the Kobe Bryant-era of Lakers basketball and the five world championships that came with it, and is looking forward to the team's next NBA title.

Published by
Robert Marvi

Recent Posts

Ex-teammate of Kobe and Shaq reacts to ‘BS’ narrative about Bryant being O’Neal’s sidekick

Gilbert Arenas is a self-described fan of Kobe Bryant, but he turned some heads when…

December 22, 2024

Jordan and Shaq’s ex-teammate discredits LeBron’s ‘bubble’ ring after he’s called Lakers legend

The Los Angeles Lakers have sky-high expectations compared to the lion's share of other NBA…

December 21, 2024

‘LeBron makes the trades’: Carmelo Anthony speaks out on chances of Lakers dealing LeBron James

Amid chatter about the future of 20-time All-Star LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers,…

December 20, 2024

DeMarcus Cousins says he and Anthony Davis would’ve helped Pelicans become contenders if not for ‘dumba-s’ Dell Demps

Former All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins called out former New Orleans Pelicans general manager Dell…

December 19, 2024

Darvin Ham fires massive shot at Lakers: ‘Anywhere else I’m probably looking at an extension’

Darvin Ham has had more NBA Cup success than any coach in the league since…

December 18, 2024

Bobby Portis on the difference between the Bucks and the Lakers: ‘We’re not Hollywood’

The Milwaukee Bucks captured the 2024 NBA Cup title with a 97-81 victory over the…

December 18, 2024