Andrew Bogut admits Lonzo Ball is ‘complete opposite to what I thought’

Andrew Bogut is quickly learning that Lonzo Ball the teammate is entirely separate from Lonzo Ball the brand.

In an interview with Roy Ward of the Canberra Times that ran Sunday, the LA Lakers veteran big admitted that Ball is nothing like he expected him to be.

“All the hype with what his dad has done with the brand means people want to knock him down,” said Bogut of the rookie guard. “People love it, people hate it. Fortunately that reflects on Lonzo as well, but he is the complete opposite to what I thought.

“He is softly spoken, has a good sense of humour and doesn’t say a lot,” Bogut went on. “Nobody’s had any issues with him. People’s true colours come out as the season goes on, but I don’t think he’s like anything that’s been reported.”

Ball and his family have indeed attracted more than their fair share of ire. But everybody in Lakerland raves about Ball’s talent and leadership ability, and it certainly has to mean something if he can soften Bogut’s heart of stone.