Lonzo Ball Balled Out In Hardens With Another Summer League Triple Double

Lonzo Ball‘s shoes—and his play on the court—are officially the story of the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Ball struggled in his first game as a Los Angeles Laker, but since a poor opening performance in Ball’s ZO2 signature shoe, he’s switched it up and his stat line has taken off.

On Thursday, Ball took the court against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a pair of adidas. Sporting Harden LS ‘Night Life’ shoes, Lonzo balled out to the tune of 16 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds and 5 blocks. It was his second straight triple double of Summer League.

The shoes were the story when he took the court, but Lonzo’s play soon eclipsed any worry about what was on his feet.

Ball’s passing was a highlight again, setting up teammates for lobs and reading plays with ease on Thursday night. Ball also showed he isn’t afraid to thread the needle if he thinks a teammate is open on the fast break.

https://twitter.com/sinow/status/885706053660295168

His most vocal moment came on a block where he also got to talk a little trash.

Here’s a little perspective on Ball’s performances in recent days. This is a pretty brilliant start for the player the Lakers hope is the future of the franchise.

ESPN put together a handy little graphic so you can see that clearly the other shoe choices are working for Ball.

Ball was asked after the game about the shoe changes, and he continued to echo what his father LaVar told ESPN on Thursday: this is about freedom of choice for Big Baller Brand athletes.

“Big Baller Brand, you know you have freedom to do whatever you want,” Ball said. “I’m showcasing that.”

Whether that’s a marketing strategy that attracts new ballers to the stable or not, it’s certainly an interesting way to approach garnering attention for your shoes: not wearing them.

Amazingly, much like a lot of what LaVar Ball’s come up with these last few months, it’s working.