NBA: Beverley on Ball:”Had to welcome him”

The first game of Lonzo Ball’s professional career was an unfortunate one – not least because Patrick Beverley had declared the No. 2 pick to be a matter for the boss. The Clippers Guard then spoke about Ball and his father LaVar.

From the very first minute of the game, Beverley was sticking to the ball and didn’t let it unfold at all. Ball only scored 3 points (1/6 FG) and 4 assists in 29 minutes, he also achieved 2 turnovers.

“I told him after the game that he had a target on his back because of all the crap his father was talking about. A lot of people will hunt him. I told him after the game that he had to be ready for it. I had to welcome his little boy ass to the NBA.”

Beverley also said that Ball was a “great talent”, but that he also had to live through the “hard times”. Beverley did not want to comment on the report that he had other words for Ball on his way to the Locker Room.

Lakers coach Luke Walton, however, didn’t want to see only negative things in the weak debut of his rookie:”It was good for Lonzo,”Walton said,”Beverley is perhaps the best of the league when it comes to getting into people’s minds. Zo kept his posture.”