NBA Rumors: Ex-Lakers Guard Sparks LA Return Speculation, Could Replace Schroder

The Los Angeles Lakers may have to find a new point guard this offseason with speculation that Dennis Schroder is on his way out. And if a recent social media exchange involving ex-Laker Lonzo Ball is any indication, the second overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft could be an option.

On Friday, Ball tweeted a link to his episode of Uninterrupted’s “Who’s Interviewing Who?” where the 23-year-old answered a question on the best advice he has ever gotten in his career at this point. Ball shared that it was Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James’ advice to “keep the main thing the main thing” that proved to be the most helpful.

Ball had tagged James, and the four-time champion responded, "Always a text, a phone call or FT away bro!! You already know.”

The Twitter exchange quickly sparked speculation that Ball may be returning to Los Angeles.

It is no secret that the Lakers are expected to go after a point guard in the offseason, with Schroder seen as likely to exit Hollywood. Ball could be an option as he is someone who pundits feel will check out the free-agent market and listen to pitches.

As mentioned in a previous report, Ball is linked to several teams this offseason. That list reportedly includes the Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns.

But of the teams mentioned, the Knicks are seen as the frontrunners. They need a proven guard, and the 6-foot-6 guard could be a perfect fit.

Ball is coming off a good season with the New Orleans Pelicans, averaging 14.2 points, 5.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds. His stay in New Orleans could come to an end with the Pelicans unlikely to match any offer that goes beyond $18 million. The maximum starting point is pegged at $28 million, the New York Post reported.

The response of James could be something or nothing. Given that Ball has improved by leaps and bounds, a reunion could make sense as head coach Frank Vogel continues his search for a court general who can stabilize the Lakers’ offense following a disappointing season.