Lonzo Ball’s NBA journey has been anything but straightforward. Coming out of UCLA as one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, Ball was a can't-miss talent-an elite passer with size, vision, and a flair for the spectacular.
From his viral high school days at Chino Hills to being selected second overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, the spotlight found him early and often. But as promising as his start was, injuries have relentlessly interrupted what could’ve been a smoother rise.
After missing the entire 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, Ball returned last year but was limited to just 35 games with the Chicago Bulls. This offseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers took a swing, trading for Ball in what many saw as a low-risk, high-reward move.
Unfortunately, the gamble didn’t pay off. Ball struggled to find his rhythm, posting career lows across the board.
By the trade deadline, Cleveland decided to move on, sending him to the Utah Jazz-who promptly waived him.
Now, Ball is a free agent, and while his recent production has dipped, his name still carries weight. He’s only 28, and there’s reason to believe he could still help a team-especially one looking for depth, versatility, and high-IQ playmaking. Let’s take a look at a few landing spots that make sense as he hits the open market.
Denver Nuggets: Depth with Purpose
The Denver Nuggets have had to weather a brutal wave of injuries this season. Nikola Jokić, Cam Johnson, Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, Jonas Valančiunas, and Peyton Watson have all missed time, forcing Denver to test the limits of its roster depth. To their credit, they’ve stayed afloat, but the margin for error is razor-thin.
Jamal Murray is having a career year and just earned his first All-Star selection. Jalen Pickett has stepped up admirably, even starting in 18 games. Still, adding another capable guard-especially one with size and versatility-could be a smart insurance policy for a team with championship aspirations.
Lonzo isn’t your traditional point guard. He’s a jumbo facilitator who can defend multiple positions and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective.
That kind of profile could be a perfect fit in Denver, especially with their bench units still struggling in the non-Jokić minutes. Ball’s playmaking and defensive instincts could stabilize those stretches and give the Nuggets another tool to work with come playoff time.
Golden State Warriors: A New Role in a New Era
Golden State’s title window isn’t shut, but the margin is slimmer than it’s been in years. The Warriors made a bold move at the deadline, sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to acquire Kristaps Porziņģis.
The trade addressed a glaring need-interior presence and rim protection. Porziņģis brings that, along with enough shooting to fit seamlessly into Golden State’s offense.
But the loss of Jimmy Butler to a season-ending injury shifted the Warriors’ ceiling. They now lack a gritty, two-way wing who can do the dirty work and make winning plays.
Ball isn’t Butler, but at his best, he brings a similar glue-guy energy. He defends, moves the ball, and makes smart decisions-qualities the Warriors have long valued.
His shot hasn’t been falling this year, and his lateral quickness has taken a hit post-injury. But Golden State doesn’t need him to be a star.
They need someone who can hold down the second unit, share the floor with Steph Curry in spurts, and bring some defensive stability. For a team trying to squeeze one more run out of this core, Ball could be a low-risk, high-upside addition.
Charlotte Hornets: A Family Affair
There’s a storyline here that writes itself: Lonzo teaming up with his younger brother LaMelo in Charlotte. The Hornets are clearly building around LaMelo, who’s emerged as the franchise cornerstone, especially after trade rumors earlier this season seemed to light a fire under him. Bringing in Lonzo would be a strong signal of commitment to their star.
Beyond the family ties, the fit makes basketball sense. Both Ball brothers are tall, pass-first guards with creative flair and a willingness to involve their teammates.
Lonzo could back up LaMelo while keeping the offensive identity intact when the starters rest. Their similar styles would allow for a seamless transition between lineups, and Lonzo’s presence might even bring out the best in LaMelo-those two have been pushing each other since Chino Hills.
Yes, Lonzo’s athleticism isn’t what it once was. His defense has slipped, and his shooting has been inconsistent at best.
But his feel for the game remains elite. He sees plays before they happen, makes the extra pass, and rarely forces the issue.
That kind of steadiness could be invaluable to a young Hornets team still finding its identity.
What’s Next for Lonzo?
Lonzo Ball’s career has been defined by moments of brilliance and long stretches of waiting. Waiting for his body to cooperate.
Waiting for the right system. Waiting for a chance to show he can still impact winning basketball.
Now, he’s back on the open market. And while he may not be the same player he was in his early days with the Lakers or even his prime Chicago stretch, there’s still a role for him in today’s NBA. Whether it’s providing depth to a contender, helping stabilize a second unit, or teaming up with his brother for a new chapter, Lonzo’s story isn’t done yet.
He’s not just playing to prove he belongs-he’s playing to rewrite the narrative. And if he lands in the right spot, don’t be surprised if he does just that.