Trying to digest the 2017 Lakers. Let’s begin with LaVar Ball, who prior to the season said the following about his son.

“To me, Lonzo is the best player in the world. I don’t know if he can beat LeBron James and Russell Westbrook one on one, but I know he can beat them five on five.”

As much as we snigger at and bemoan comments like this, Ball’s Lakers are yet to play Cleveland or Oklahoma City, so technically we cannot pass judgement. Why are we over-analysing every game played by Lonzo Ball, good or bad? It’s simple. His father is making us.

What we shouldn’t be talking about 

Ball scored six points in 28 minutes against the Brooklyn Nets last week, and that alone shouldn’t be worth anyone’s time. It would pass us by if LaVar wasn’t displaying himself the way he is. As much as I think he should be classed as a second-year player, Ben Simmons is having a fantastic rookie campaign, but we’ve barely talked about it. Compared to Ball, at least that means he’s doing his job. “You’ve got to shoot the ball”, Ball senior said after that disappointing performance against former Laker D’Angelo Russell. This is dangerous parenting, and this after you got your wish. Your son is playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the greatest NBA franchises ever. West. Magic. Kareem. Kobe. There is enough to live up to already.