Lonzo Ball continues to get high praise from his father

Lonzo Ball is expected to be a top draft pick following his time at UCLA.

When looking at how UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball fits in the upcoming draft, the talent is there. It’s easy to say that he’ll be a top five pick, if not higher, because of talent — that’s a piece of cake.

What might cause some teams to be hesitant, though, is his often overly-vocal father. LaVar Ball talks only praise of his sons, with Lonzo taking the spotlight most recently.

According to an article from Bleacher Report, the latest talking points indicate that Ball’s father believes he’ll be the number one overall pick.

Per the report, which cites an interview Ball had with ESPN:

"“Why shouldn’t he be No. 1? He’s earned it. Nobody else is playing like him. Nobody else is doing what he’s doing. He’s selling out arenas, he’s making all his players better. Why wouldn’t he be No. 1? How do you start your franchise without that guy?”"

It’s great that confidence seems to run in the family, but will NBA teams see this as overbearing?

Definitely.

Even the Lakers, who could be in position to select Ball with a top-three protected pick, might be deterred by this. Current members of their young core haven’t always been great, but they’re continuing to find ways to grow on their own.

Drafting Lonzo means accepting the reality of having his father watching every move.

Given that the team is looking to go in a new direction — something reflected in their recent front office shakeup — it could be more of a set back than a benefit.

Next: Update On TJ Leaf Injury

Depending on what D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson are able to show in the second half of the season, the Lakers may have a hard choice to make.