CLEVELAND - Lonzo Ball recently opened up about feeling like a “scapegoat” after his trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers this NBA season. Speaking on the “Ball In The Family” podcast, the 28-year-old guard shared his experiences and challenges during his stint with the Cavs.
Ball joined Cleveland last summer in a trade from the Chicago Bulls, brought in to boost scoring and playmaking. However, his performance didn’t quite hit the mark, especially in the eyes of fans and critics who zeroed in on his shooting struggles. Ball shot around 30% from the field and 27% from beyond the arc, marking some of the lowest numbers in his career.
Criticism came swiftly, with many pointing fingers at Ball for the team’s early struggles. Yet, Ball emphasized that while his shooting numbers were indeed below par, it wasn’t fair to pin the team’s losses solely on him. He acknowledged missing shots but argued that those misses were just a fraction of the game, suggesting that the focus was misplaced.
The Cavaliers traded Ball to the Utah Jazz on February 5, just before the NBA trade deadline. Utah waived him shortly after, making him a free agent. Now, Ball is on the hunt for a new team, aiming to secure a spot before the season concludes.
Ball’s journey serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny players face and how quickly narratives can form around performance metrics. As he seeks his next opportunity, he remains hopeful for a fresh start and a chance to prove his worth on the court.