Lonzo Ball will suit up for the Cleveland Cavaliers next season. He joined the franchise via a June 29 trade that saw Isaac Okoro join the Chicago Bulls.
During an appearance on the “What an Experience” podcast, Ball discussed the opportunity to play for Kenny Atkinson’s rotation and what he can bring to the franchise.
“I feel like it’s just a blessing, bro,” Ball said. “To be honest, I mean, everybody keeps asking me how I feel about the trade. I’m like, s***, I’m happy to still be playing anywhere, let alone a team that has a real chance to win a ring… My whole life, I feel like I’ve been playing the right brand of basketball, and that’s to win games, so I feel like I’m going to a great situation, and I just want to play my role and do what I can to help.”
Ball’s arrival all but ended Ty Jerome‘s time with the Cavaliers. The veteran guard recently signed a contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. As such, Ball will now assume the primary backup guard role. His point-of-attack defense, playmaking and three-level scoring will all be a significant boost to the Cavaliers’ second unit.
Ball is Happy to Join Cavaliers
During the same podcast appearance, Ball shared his excitement at joining a contending-level roster.
“Just playing, competing for a ring. I feel like that should be the goal, I feel like that is the goal,” Ball said. “So, happy to get over there and get started. To meet everybody, get familiar with everything, and take it as far as we can.”
Staying healthy will be a primary concern for both Ball and the Cavaliers. The veteran guard has struggled with a string of injuries over the past few years. If Cleveland is going to be a genuine championship threat, it will need Ball to be healthy and playing at his best.
Ball has a team option on his contract for the 2026-27 season. If he’s unable to stay healthy this season, Cleveland will likely part ways with him this time next year.
LaVar Ball Breaks Silence on Cavaliers Trade
During an appearance on ESPN Cleveland, LaVar Ball shared his thoughts regarding his son’s trade to the Cavaliers.
“Lonzo’s always been that piece you need for a championship – they’ve got to make everyone better,” LaVar said.. “So, Cleveland just moved up to being the No. 1 team for the East.”
LaVar did, however, acknowledge that Lonzo’s injury history is a concern.
“Yeah, he’s had some problems in the past,” LaVar said. “You’re always going to have problems when you’re trying to carry everybody on your back! When you’ve got all of this help now, I don’t see why they can’t win the championship.”
Ball will have the additional motivation of contending for a championship. Furthermore, he could put pressure on Darius Garland for a starting role. Garland is expected to miss the start of the 2025-26 season following surgery on his injured toe. Ball’s defense could be a better fit next to Donovan Mitchell.
If healthy, Ball will be a highly impactful addition to Atkinson’s rotation. Koby Altman has taken a calculated risk. It will be fun to see how that risk plays out on the court.
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