Account
Magic Johnson Calls Lonzo Ball Face of Lakers, Expects Retired Jersey
June 23, 2017
After the Los Angeles Lakers selected Lonzo Ball with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft yesterday, the former UCLA star and team president Magic Johnson wasted no time raising expectations for the franchise.
Johnson opened the introductory press conference by calling Ball the "new face of the Lakers," per ESPN's J.A. Adande.
Continuing with his opening remarks, Johnson pointed out all of the retired jerseys featuring Lakers legends, then had a comment for Ball.
"We expect a Ball jersey hanging up there one day," Johnson said, per ESPN's Baxter Holmes.
Johnson did note he hoped Ball wouldn't completely erase him from Lakers history.
"Lonzo, leave me one or two records, OK?" he said, according to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News.
McCollum and the Blazers Snapped Postseason Losing Streak for "Jennifer"
Stars Invest in Plant-Based Food as Vegetarianism Sweeps NBA
The NBA Got Some Wild Techs This Season
Jarrett Allen Is One of the NBA’s Hottest Rim Protectors
Wade's Jersey Swaps Created Epic Moments This Season
Westbrook Makes History While Honoring Nipsey Hussle
Devin Booker Makes History with Scoring Tear
29 Years Ago, Jordan Dropped Career-High 69 Points
Bosh Is Getting His Jersey Raised to the Rafters in Miami
Steph Returns to Houston for 1st Time Since His Moon Landing Troll
Lou Williams Is Coming for a Repeat of Sixth Man of the Year
Pat Beverley Has the Clippers Stealing the LA Shine
LeBron Keeps Shredding NBA Record Books
Young's Hot Streak Is Heating Up the ROY Race with Luka
LeBron and 2 Chainz Form a Superteam to Release a New Album
Wade's #OneLastDance Dominated February
Warriors Fans Go Wild After Unforgettable Moments with Steph
Eight Years Ago, the Nuggets Traded Melo to the Knicks
Two Years Ago, the Kings Shipped Boogie to the Pelicans
ASG Will Be Competitive Again If the NBA Raises the Stakes
Never one to back down from a challenge, Ball seemed receptive to the idea of eventually having his jersey retired by the Lakers, per Medina.
Ball has been given the keys to the Lakers franchise. If there was any doubt about that after Thursday's draft, Johnson confirmed this will be his team right away.
The 19-year-old didn't have a problem being the face of UCLA basketball for his one season in college. It's likely a moment he's waited for his entire life, and now it's officially his time to carry the torch for the franchise.