Lonzo Ball is making the 2025 NBA Draft decisions, only if anyone is buying it.
The Chicago Bulls star recently made a bold prediction about where his brother, LaMelo Ball, might be playing next season.
During an episode of his podcast, ‘What an Experience With Lonzo Ball,’ he shared his thoughts on the Charlotte Hornets, who hold the No. 4 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
“I lowkey got Dylan Harper going to the Hornets. And I got Melo going to the [Clippers],” Lonzo said.
Lonzo Ball says he envisions the Hornets drafting Dylan Harper and LaMelo Ball getting traded to the Clippers 👀
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 16, 2025
(🎥 @TheWAEShow / h/t @HornetsReddit )
pic.twitter.com/3HT6TRyThZ
Lonzo believes that the team is likely to select Rutgers guard Dylan Harper.
If that wasn’t enough to spark some speculation, Lonzo went on to suggest that LaMelo could end up with the Los Angeles Clippers. This prediction seems to resonate with a personal desire from Lonzo to see his brother return to L.A.
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The idea of LaMelo playing in his hometown, especially while their father LaVar is facing health challenges, feels like a full-circle moment for the Ball family.
Lonzo Ball’s Prediction Is Far From Reality
While the prediction might have looked exciting from Lonzo Ball’s perspective, it is not.
First, the speculation of Dylan Harper landing with the Hornets is unrealistic unless Charlotte makes a significant trade to move up in the draft.
There’s a consensus that Harper is a top-tier prospect who isn’t expected to drop past San Antonio, which holds the No. 2 pick. If San Antonio were to keep that pick, they could potentially form a formidable backcourt. And that features De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Harper, offering a solid foundation alongside Victor Wembanyama.
The Hornets, meanwhile, may take interest in Harper but will likely have to look at other options if they don’t execute a blockbuster move.
Dylan Harper just put on a SHOW at the Jordan Brand classic😈🔥
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) April 22, 2024
The Rutgers commit hit the game-winner and took home MVP honors 🏆 @dy1anharper
▪️ 30 PTS
▪️ 8 REB pic.twitter.com/2oLkgxL4JF
Regarding LaMelo Ball getting linked to the Clippers, it presents its own set of challenges. The Clippers are currently focusing on freeing up salary cap space for the future. They would be looking for a shift when their current stars, such as Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, are no longer rostered.
LaMelo’s hefty contract of four years and $168.7 million complicates matters. Especially since it involves a restructuring of team dynamics where the ball would be taken out of Harden’s hands.
While LaMelo has averaged 25.2 points and 7.4 assists, league executives remain uncertain about his leadership quality.
His high-usage, entertaining style has yet to prove effective in critical playoff situations.
