A bold trade prediction from ex-Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball has arrived.
On a recent episode of the What an Experience podcast, Lonzo speculated about a change of scenery for his younger brother, Charlotte Hornets All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball.
“I lowkey got Dylan Harper going to the Hornets and I got Melo going to the Clips,” Lonzo said.
This blockbuster scenario has Hornets fans buzzing (pun intended), but is it plausible?
Lonzo’s vision hinges on the Hornets drafting Rutgers guard Dylan Harper with their No. 4 pick and trading LaMelo to the Los Angeles Clippers.
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However, Harper is widely projected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, likely headed to the San Antonio Spurs. The consensus is that Harper, a six-foot-six playmaking guard, is a top-tier prospect who won’t slip past San Antonio. For Charlotte to snag Harper, they’d need a costly trade to move up, making Lonzo’s draft prediction a long shot.
On the other hand, the Spurs’ backcourt already features De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, both on-ball playmakers. Adding Harper, another ball-dominant guard, could create a clunky fit, as none are elite off-ball shooters. Instead, Rutgers forward Ace Bailey, a dynamic wing with scoring versatility, might better complement San Antonio’s roster.
If the Spurs prioritize Bailey, Harper could slide, giving Charlotte a chance at No. 4. The Philadelphia 76ers at No. 3 also aren’t a great fit for Harper, considering they already have Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.
As for LaMelo to the Clippers, the fit is intriguing but complicated. LaMelo’s flashy playmaking and deep shooting could inject youth into a Clippers roster reliant on aging stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. However, LaMelo’s max contract ($38M next season) and ball-dominant style might clash with Harden’s role.
The Clippers, aiming to stay flexible post-Leonard/Harden, might hesitate to commit long-term to LaMelo. A trade could involve draft picks and players like Norman Powell, but Charlotte would likely demand more.
The Ball family hails from Chino Hills, California, adding a hometown appeal to Lonzo’s prediction. Their father, LaVar, has long dreamed of LaMelo playing in LA.
While Lonzo’s comments may reflect family hopes more than insider knowledge, the idea of LaMelo joining a contender like the Clippers is tantalizing. For now, it’s speculative, but in the NBA, surprises—like Luka Dončić’s trade to the Lakers—prove anything’s possible.
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