Lonzo Ball Says He Didn't Live up to Expectations With Lakers

When Lonzo Ball came out of UCLA and was the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft to his hometown Los Angeles Lakers, the expectation was that he'd be a future star in this league. All eyes were on him.

Well, after two seasons in the league, that has not been the case, and he's already been traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Instead of pouting and making excuses, Lonzo realizes he didn't live up to the hype thrust upon him, but now he's ready for a new chapter in New Orleans.

“Nah, nah, that wasn’t too much pressure,” Ball told The Athletic. “That’s what I was supposed to do. No. 2 pick, you’re supposed to do a job — you’re supposed to turn the franchise around. And I don’t think I did it to the best of my abilities. I didn’t live up to that standard. Now I’m here and I’m blessed to be here."

There's no doubt injuries had a huge part in Lonzo not being the player everyone envisioned in L.A., and once Anthony Davis became available on the trade market and essentially handpicked the Lakers, you knew Lonzo's time in L.A. was coming to an end.

Now that Lonzo isn't a Laker and doesn't have as big of a spotlight on him, he should be able to thrive, as he won't be the number one option. That title goes to this year's No. 1 pick, Zion Williamson.

With a lesser role and his father, LaVar, not being around as much, Lonzo should have a better shot at becoming the player everyone thought he'd be.