The Los Angeles Lakers may be headed toward a reunion with a very familiar name. Lonzo Ball, who started his NBA career in purple and gold, is back in the rumor mill, and this time, LA could be circling with interest.
With Ball’s $10 million contract and ongoing injury concerns, a potential trade raises more questions than answers. But the idea of pairing him with the new-look Lakers, led by Luka Dončić, is starting to pick up steam.
Lakers Linked to Lonzo Ball, but There Is One Problem
Ball is once again on the radar in Los Angeles. According to Lakers’ beat writer Jovan Buha, the team could be open to bringing back their 2017 No. 2 pick if the price is right.
“I do, I think they would be,” Buha said on his YouTube channel when asked if the Lakers would consider a reunion. “It’s just a matter of what his price is, and you have to factor in his health and the history there.”
That’s where things get tricky. Ball has battled injury after injury in Chicago, playing just 70 games throughout his career with the Bulls. This season alone, he dealt with a recurring right wrist sprain that forced him to miss time twice, limiting him to just 35 games.
“You can’t even pencil him in for 60 games,” Buha continued. “So whatever you’re giving up for him, there has to be some level of a discount, or you’re factoring in this dude might just play 40 or 50 games… he’s a guy you have to load manage. How can we load manage him to get to April in one piece?”
Ball signed a two-year, $20 million extension deal with the Chicago Bulls, with $10 million guaranteed. In the 2024 regular season, he averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals. Those numbers show flashes of his all-around ability but also underline his limited availability.
Could Ball Fit Into the New-Look Lakers With Luka Dončić?
This Lakers team is no longer the one Ball left behind. Back then, he was part of a young core shipped out to acquire Anthony Davis. Now, the spotlight belongs to Dončić, the Slovenian superstar with elite offensive skills.
Dončić can break down defenses from anywhere on the floor, whether it’s a step-back three, a post-up, or a crafty drive. Pairing him with a healthy Lonzo could create a unique backcourt blend. Ball is a gifted passer who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact. He’s developed into a dependable 3-point shooter and a strong defender capable of guarding multiple positions.
It’s a skill set that could complement Dončić’s high-usage, high-creation game perfectly.
But availability remains Ball’s biggest obstacle. For the Lakers to make a move, they’d likely need to navigate trade-offs. Rumors suggest Rui Hachimura could be moved as LA searches for roster upgrades, including those in the frontcourt.
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Still, a healthy Ball is the kind of two-way player who can stabilize the Lakers’ rotation. His career averages in Los Angeles – 10.0 points, 6.4 assists, and 6.2 rebounds across 99 games- show he’s no stranger to contributing when on the floor.
Whether the reunion happens depends on health, fit, and price. But don’t count it out. Lonzo Ball might not be done with Hollywood just yet.
