Lonzo Ball walked into his first day as a Cleveland Cavalier and dropped a bombshell that had fans buzzing. When reporters asked about his first NBA jersey, Ball didn’t hesitate: it was LeBron James. Now he’s suiting up for the same franchise where his childhood hero made history.
Why Did Ball Choose LeBron’s Jersey as His First?
Ball didn’t wait long to share his connection to Cleveland’s basketball legacy. When asked about his first NBA jersey, he smiled and stated, “First NBA jersey, I want to say it was a James one.” That comment, delivered during his introductory press session on July 7, resonated with Cavaliers fans and showed Ball’s respect for one of the game’s greatest players.
“First NBA jersey, I want to say it was a LeBron James one.”
Lonzo Ball answers questions during his first day with the Cavs 🔥
(via @cavs)
pic.twitter.com/XLYzDBVEQ4— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 7, 2025
The revelation carries extra weight considering Ball’s journey to Cleveland. He joined the Cavaliers through a trade with the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Isaac Okoro, bringing fresh energy and championship aspirations to his new team.
This childhood memory reveals more than just fandom. Growing up watching James dominate in Cleveland, Ball chose a jersey honoring one of basketball’s all-time greats. The connection shows both his admiration for excellence and the motivation driving his new role with the Cavaliers.
How Will Ball’s Injury History Impact His Cleveland Role?
Ball’s time with Chicago was derailed by devastating knee injuries that wiped out the entire 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. Through the 2021-22 and 2024-25 seasons, Ball played in 70 games.
In those games, he averaged 10.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, shooting 40.1% from the field, including 38.9% from beyond the arc, and 78.2% from the free-throw line.
Those numbers explain why Cleveland’s front office pursued him. The Cavaliers’ leadership expects Ball’s length, court vision, and defensive instincts to strengthen their bench rotation and provide balance to their high-powered offense. His ability to guard multiple positions and create plays for teammates addresses specific needs in their system.
Fan reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. In a poll by Cavs Nation, roughly 80% of respondents welcomed the trade, citing Ball’s playmaking and perimeter defense as perfect complements to the existing core players.
What Does This Full-Circle Moment Mean for Ball’s Career?
Ball, wearing a LeBron James jersey as a kid, carries deeper significance now that he’s reached Cleveland. His career has remarkably come full circle. He started with the Lakers, battled through challenges with the Bulls, and now finds himself with the Cavaliers, James’ former team where the King delivered a championship to Northeast Ohio.
The memory isn’t just sentimental nostalgia. It demonstrates Ball’s competitive fire and suggests he’s mentally prepared to embrace the high expectations and winning culture that James helped establish in Cleveland. That mindset becomes crucial as he integrates into a team with championship aspirations.
His immediate goals include finding his role in the rotation, showcasing the defensive presence that made him valuable, and helping maintain offensive flow when the starters need rest. The ultimate storyline awaits: his matchup against James in a future Cavaliers-Lakers game could create a poetic moment for both players and the fans who remember that young kid who chose number 23 as his first jersey.
