LeBron James praises Lonzo Ball, says ‘it’s best’ for league when Lakers, Celtics, Knicks are great

LeBron James is in Madison Square Garden, which means the spotlight is on the the NBA’s biggest star to start the week off right in the NBA. For Los Angeles Lakers fans, who watched Kobe Bryant’s late-career trips to the home of the New York Knicks, we know the gravity these kinds of moments always bring.

And with LeBron, came questions of Lonzo Ball breaking his triple-double record as King James held court for a pregame chat with media.

“I think back to when I was that young. There's not many games that I can remember when I was 20 years old, or 19, or even 18,” LeBron said.

“So first of all, congratulations to him. I think he's going to be a really really good point guard in our league. Probably a great point guard if he continues to work on his craft, which it seems he does. So. you know... they got a good one.”

Is it a coincidence he used the exact same wording about Dennis Smith Jr. just a few nights ago?

James’ “controversial” comments about Smith and the Knicks were also an unavoidable talking point, but would prompt an interesting response. LeBron dropped the “Lakers” word, while also stating he was pointing his criticism directly at former Knicks team president Phil Jackson.

“Phil was just a small piece... well he was a big piece of it actually. I don't have no problem with the Knicks organization. I wasn't here, so I don't know the insights and everything. I'm a fan of the game as well, and it's great when the Knicks, the Celtics and the Lakers are great in our league all at the same time. It's best for our league.”

“Message heard. Over and out” - Magic Johnson.

Check out the full interview below: