Lonzo Ball Explains Decision to Wear Nikes Instead of ZO2s vs. 76ers

Lonzo Ball turned heads Wednesday night when he stuffed the stat sheet with 36 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds and five steals in a 103-102 Las Vegas Summer League win over the Philadelphia 76ers, and the performance was even more noteworthy considering he did it in Nike Kobe A.D.'s as opposed to his signature Big Baller Brand ZO2s.

Speaking to reporters after the come-from-behind victory, the No. 2 overall pick offered a simple reason for why he embraced the Swoosh.

"When you're a big baller, you can wear whatever you want," Ball said, according to NBA.com's David Aldridge.

"Mamba mentality," he added, per Sports Illustrated's Ben Golliver. "Just thought I'd switch it up. ... Good when you can wear whatever you want."

Ball's choice of kicks caught the attention of Nike brand ambassador LeBron James—who was in attendance Wednesday night—and the three-time champion proceeded to shout out the UCLA product in an Instagram post with the caption, "Just. Do. It."

All eyes will be on Ball's kicks again Thursday when the Lakers return to the Sin City hardwood for a showdown against the Cleveland Cavaliers.