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Los Angeles Lakers: Why signing LiAngelo Ball is great for everyone

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 29: Agent Harrison Gaines looks on as Lonzo Ball #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers greets his brother LiAngelo Ball #2 after he completed his NBA Pre-Draft Workout with the Los Angeles Lakers on May 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 29: Agent Harrison Gaines looks on as Lonzo Ball #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers greets his brother LiAngelo Ball #2 after he completed his NBA Pre-Draft Workout with the Los Angeles Lakers on May 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. There is virtually no risk here

The Los Angeles Lakers already have two big reasons why they should bring in LiAngelo Ball. When weighing whether or not to do it, the Lakers’ front office needs to way these pros with the cons to decide a fate of action.

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The thing is, though, there are virtually no cons to the Lakers bringing in LiAngelo Ball on a G League contract. There is absolutely no risk involved here. Even if this does not work out and LiAngelo cannot produce for the South Bay Lakers, no future plans are in jeopardy.

If the Lakers had to use a second-round pick to bring in LiAngelo, sure, I understand why the team would not want to go this route. While second-round picks are not as surefire as first-round picks, the Lakers can still get a decent role player in the second round. Using that pick for LiAngelo Ball would not be worth it.

However, signing him as an undrafted free agent literally sacrifices nothing but the small amount of salary that the Lakers would have to pay LiAngelo. Even in that, the team is going to make that back and more from marketing, jersey sales, ticket sales, etc. Magic Johnson is a smart businessman. This is a smart business move.

The worst-case scenario is that Ball does not produce and eventually runs his course in South Bay. Even then, the Lakers can give him a job within the organization to keep his brother happy. While LiAngelo should not be making front office decisions, there is no reason he can’t be an assistant coach for the G League team.

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There is no risk at all here with a relatively high reward. Even though the chances of LiAngelo Ball ever becoming an impact player in the NBA are slim, it is obvious that this is a great move for the Los Angeles Lakers to make.

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