Even in their down times, the Los Angeles Lakers are a franchise that’s synonymous with Hollywood. Whether Magic Johnson demanding a trade to Kobe Bryant eventually doing the same and publicly spatting with Shaquille O’Neal, controversies and unparalleled success have unfolded under the bright lights.
But the 2017 NBA Draft brought about a new element — an outspoken, if not brazen, father whose son is vital to the direction of the organization. When the Lakers selected Lonzo Ball with the No. 2 overall pick, it validated the grandiose predictions LaVar Ball spent months making.
What appears to be a desire to remain in the spotlight is fueled by an endless news cycle and the growth of social media.