Lakers Enforcing "LaVar Ball Rule," a Clear Sign They're Worried About Him as the Season Unravels
By Jason McIntyre
The Lakers have lost five in a row, falling to 8-15, and now their toughest road stretch of the season begins. Six of their next seven games are on the road, and five of those seven games are against the 76ers, Cavs, Warriors, Rockets and Warriors.
When the Lakers return home before Christmas, they could be a flaming dumpster fire. It’s a perfect storm for someone like mouthy LaVar Ball to say something inflammatory and the team to turn into a media circus.
As such, the Lakers announced they are going to start enforcing an “existing policy” that prevents the media from being in an area of the arena where family and friends of the players hang out after games.
It’s being called the “LaVar Ball Rule,” because he’s the only friend/family member of the players who has a history of popping off. A Lakers spokesman told ESPN:
"“It’s not a new policy; it’s an existing policy. There has been more media presence in that area than before. That section is strictly for family and guests of players. It’s a privacy concern.”"
Sure it is. A concern that it’ll make more headaches for Luke Walton, who is inching closer to the hot seat. A concern for a team that desperately wants/needs Paul George and LeBron to show up next year.
I wouldn’t want LaVar Ball using the Lakers to bolster his platform and try and sell more sneakers. Is this going to stop him? Certainly not. Is it sending a message to LaVar Ball? It most definitely is.