To start off the 2018 season, the NBA once again turns its attention to Ball. Lavar Ball, to be exact.

As the number two overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, 19 year old Lonzo Ball has made quite the headlines. While only averaging about 10.2 points per game, 6.9 rebounds, and roughly 1.4 steals per game, as reported by the NBA, Ball’s numbers are far from impressive. Yet the rookie can only go so long before making headlines. The reason? His father, Lavar Ball.

Lavar Ball can just as well put momager Kris Jenner to shame for all the involvement he has had in his children’s career. Lavar Ball can talk. A lot. Back in Lonzo’s college days playing for UCLA, Ball proclaimed, “These boys were born to go pro,” and “all three of my boys are going to be one-and-done.” Outspoken to say the least, Lavar Ball’s comments provided a source of entertainment before Lonzo’s introduction to the NBA. Host of ESPN’s show The Jump, Rachel Nichols went as far as to say that Lonzo was drafted largely because of Lavar’s grandiose comments.

All of these comments and much more should have been an indication to Lavar’s behaviors, so why do his recent comments come as such a shock? Well, after proclaiming in March of 2017 that his son will “only play for the Lakers,” Lavar announced recently that coach Luke Walton “doesn’t have control of the team no more,” and the Lakers simply “don’t want to play for him.”

With the fourth worst record in the NBA, Lavar’s comments provided the flame that led to an almighty uproar. The team is no doubt in a rough spot, but with Lonzo already not meeting his father’s claims, many want Lavar to keep quiet. They fear that Lavar has crossed the line and that coach Luke Walton must interfere. Pitman’s own Navjit Bath weighed in on the matter, stating, “I think it’s pretty messed up, because Luke Walton is a good coach.”

Following a nine game losing streak, the abrasive comments raise doubt among not just the team but the NBA as a whole. Analysts cannot help but wonder if the rookie Lonzo Ball played a role in what his father had said. After being so determined to play for the Lakers, is it possible that Lonzo Ball has lost his desire to play?

To make matters worse, Lonzo did not choose to defend his coach, but when questioned, responded with a measly, “I will play for anyone.” While his comments have appeared to be offensive, Pitman Junior Navjit Bath explains, “I wouldn’t really care if I was in his shoes.” Bath explains that Walton is a good coach but “the team is still pretty young and it’s hard.” He also went on to mention that “other coaches say that he [Walton] is a good coach.”

During a post game conference, Walton himself joked of Lavar’s commentary but said no more of the matter.

Lonzo Ball came into the league as a highly anticipated player but has yet to meet expectations. His father had set the bar high enough, and discouraged Lakers fans still await the day that Lonzo sets the bar himself. Meanwhile the number 27th pick in the draft, Kyle Kuzma, acts as a saving grace and currently leads the Lakers.

Desperate to catch the eyes of superstars such as Lebron James and Paul George, the Lakers performance is a weak hook. Lavar’s continuance of pessimistic opinions further dampens the Lakers spirit. One thing remains for certain: be what may, Lavar Ball will always find a way to remain in the spotlight.