Lonzo Ball Wants Lakers Stay, Says Davis Talks Led To Team's Downfall

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered yet another disappointing season as they missed out on the playoffs for a franchise record sixth consecutive season and Lonzo Ball believes the trade talks for Anthony Davis had a major role to play in the team’s downfall. Luke Walton’s team was eliminated from playoff contention with over 10 games left to play in the regular season.

Lakers was expected to end its playoff drought following the addition of LeBron James on a four-year deal last summer, and it looked like the team was on course for the post-season in December when it sat in fourth place after an impressive victory over the Golden State Warriors. But an ill-timed injury to James derailed the team’s campaign as it went 6-11 in his absence, slipping down the table and unable to recover even after his return.

The Lakers management realized midway through the campaign that the team needed more than just James to get back to challenging for the post-season and championships, and went all out to get Davis, who had requested a trade away from the New Orleans Pelicans. They made multiple offers, one of which included five players and multiple future draft picks, which were all rejected.

Ball, considered one of the top young prospects on the Lakers roster, was also put up for trade and he recently revealed the trade offer causes unrest among the players. The Lakers included other members of the team’s young core — Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart — and the talks impacted all their games, leading to the Lakers losing to the New York Knicks and Phoenix Suns — two of the worst teams in the league this season.

“That [the trade talks] was one of the things that led to our downfall, just a little bit,” Ball said talking about the Lakers’ failure to make the playoffs. “Everybody’s name was in it so it kinda messed up something.”

The 21-year-old also spoke about his desire to remain in Los Angeles, but was aware he could be traded this summer if the Lakers make another move for Davis. However, New Orleans is not said to be his preferred destination, with Suns and Chicago Bulls mooted as prospective employers of the young point guard.

“Lot of stuff started coming out but obviously I wanted to be in LA,” Ball said, talking about rumors he wanted to join the Suns instead of the Pelicans. “End of the day I just want to play, wherever that may be it was not a big deal for me. My primary choice though is to stay [in LA].”