Luke Walton not concerned with LaVar Ball's opinionated nature
It's been proven on numerous occasions that LaVar Ball, the father of UCLA alumnus Lonzo Ball, doesn't have much of a filter, with his hot takes and headline-making quotes sending shock waves throughout the basketball world more often than not.
With Lonzo expected to go to the Los Angeles Lakers in the upcoming NBA draft (although there's reportedly internal debate over whether they'll draft him at No. 2), the franchise would then also be investing in LaVar, and bringing aboard any potential baggage he may harbor along for the ride.
Lakers head coach Luke Walton isn't bothered by LaVar's blunt, candid approach, and certainly wouldn't allow his antics to influence how he feels about Lonzo.
"No, I wouldn't (be concerned about LaVar's opinionated nature)" Walton said during a recent appearance on "The Jim Rome Show." "We're in the NBA, to me that's not an issue. Parents are always gonna have their opinions. They're gonna be outspoken at times.
"I have a very outspoken father myself. It doesn't bother me. If we were to draft him, we're gonna coach him. He's gonna be part of our team. He's gonna be part of our family. And we'll go from there. This is the NBA. We'll keep the team where it needs to be. We'll not let outside things like that influence us on whether or not we pick the kid."
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Lonzo worked out for the Lakers on Wednesday, with Walton indicating that LaVar won't be allowed to join him. Dinner, on the other hand, is perfectly fine.
"Absolutely. If he wanted to come to the dinner," Walton added. "I think the workout is something that we'll keep the doors closed on, but the dinner, I think he would definitely make the dinner more entertaining. He's definitely welcome to join us for that one."
It turns out LaVar didn't end up grabbing a bite, though, as it was Lonzo alone who dined with Walton, Magic Johnson, and Rob Pelinka Tuesday evening.
Lonzo Ball having dinner with Magic Johnson, Luke Walton & Rob Pelinka in Venice. #LakersChat pic.twitter.com/JY8GJNPug0
— L.A. Lakers Chat (@LakerChat) June 7, 2017
- with h/t to For The Win