Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball put on a show Wednesday night in the Las Vegas Summer League. And he did it in Nikes.
Instead of playing in his infamous Big Baller Brand ZO2s, which sell for $495, Ball donned the kicks of a Laker legend in Kobe Bryant and led L.A. to a 103-102 win against the Philadelphia 76ers behind his 36 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds and five steals.
The 19-year-old’s choice of kicks flooded social media and drew the attention of LeBron James.
James wasn’t just admiring Ball’s choice of kicks from afar. Instead, the three-time NBA champion found himself a court-side seat as he made an appearance in Vegas.
The King must’ve been impressed with the performance of the Lakers’ future cornerstone (and maybe future teammate?). Ball threw touchdown passes, attacked the paint and helped deliver some clutch plays.
Ball didn’t seem fazed after ditching his ZO2s for the night. After losing the first two Summer League games in which he appeared, the No. 2 overall pick responded in the most baller way possible after his memorable performance Wednesday.
Ball’s 24 points in the second half not only propelled the Lakers to a win against the Markelle Fultz-less 76ers, it also seemed to have cooled down some of the so-called haters on social media.
Ball and the Lakers will play their next game Thursday against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 10:30 p.m. ET.
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