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LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 12: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up the court during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League on July 12, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jack Arent/NBAE via Getty Images)Jack Arent/Getty Images

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

Alec NathanJul 12, 2017

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.

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"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.