NBA Rumors: Lonzo Ball Gives Rookies Tips On Surviving With Los Angeles Lakers

By now, Lonzo Ball knows how hard it is to survive in the NBA, especially when you are with the Los Angeles Lakers. The purple and gold is filled with rich basketball tradition, made even harder by the fact that the former second overall pick has to play behind one of the game's greatest players to date: LeBron James.

The 2019 NBA Draft class is filled with talent and the Lakers are likely to get another top player. Ball is proof of that although being selected by Los Angeles means that a rookie will have to prove that he belongs in the mix. Seeing how the Lakers are in a pretty disoriented state, it may be an uphill climb for whoever the team picks up from the draft.

Ball is aware that there are a lot of things likely to go on in a player's mind. But if his two-cents worth is any help, the 21-year-old gives some sound advice to the next Laker rookie and the draft class as well.

"I think as long as you’re close with your teammates and the locker room’s good, that’s all that matters. The outside noise doesn’t really mean too much for whoever wants to come or is coming. Just stay close-knit no matter what through it all,” said Ball in a report from Lakers Nation.

At any rate, joining the Lakers at this point may not be the easiest of things. It is a sensitive transition period for Los Angeles who have to fill in key spots - including the head coaching position. But once all that is settled, the purple and gold is expected to rediscover its winning ways.

Whoever the incoming rookie will be, there is also longevity that needs to be considered. The Lakers have drafted several talented young players in the past and most ended up being traded. Some of the big names that have come and go include Julius Randle, D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, and Larry Nance Jr. All are with different teams and have come out of their shell.

There is no telling who the Lakers will get in the 2019 NBA Draft at this point. A lot of that depends on what position they will pick. With Zion Williamson likely to be the Phoenix Suns top pick and assuming the Lakers can get as high as the second team to select, R. J. Barrett could be a potential pick, Sir Charles in Charge reported.

As most know, the Lakers had a big problem in the small forward position last NBA season and this makes Barrett a good fit. He could address that flexibility the Lakers need although he still needs to work on other parts of his game.

Whoever the Lakers pick, Lonzo Ball's advice may be of good use. As for his tenure, that depends on how well he blends in with the purple and gold - something that starts with the next head coach.