Lonzo Ball Reflects on His Time with the Cavaliers

Former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Lonzo Ball has shared his thoughts on his turbulent exit from the organization, branding himself as a "scapegoat" during a recent episode of the Ball In The Family podcast. The candid remarks come after a challenging season with the Cavaliers, where Ball struggled to find his rhythm and ultimately was traded to the Utah Jazz.

Trade to the Utah Jazz

On February 4, the Cavaliers traded Ball to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team deal, which marked a significant turn in his basketball journey. Following the trade, the Jazz waived him, allowing him to enter free agency. Just a season prior, Ball had joined the Cavaliers through a trade with the Chicago Bulls during the 2025 offseason, and the expectations were high for him to become a pivotal player in Cleveland's backcourt rotation, especially after the departure of Ty Jerome in free agency.

Cleveland Cavaliers' Struggles

The season did not unfold as anticipated for the Cavaliers. Cleveland faced inconsistency early in the year, finishing the first half with a record of 22-19, a sharp contrast to their dominant 64-18 performance the previous season. Injuries plagued the team, impacting key players like Darius Garland, Max Strus, and Evan Mobley. Amidst these challenges, Ball struggled to make a significant impact, averaging only 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He also shot poorly, with a field goal percentage of just 30.1% and a 3-point shooting rate of 27.2%.

Performance Analysis

Despite Ball's defensive sharpness, his offensive inefficiencies negatively impacted the Cavaliers. Statistically, the team's offensive rating plummeted when Ball was on the court. According to NBA.com, the Cavs held an offensive rating of 118.2 with him off the floor, but this dropped to a troubling 111.0 with Ball playing. These numbers illustrate how Ball's performance, particularly his shooting woes, were detrimental to the team's overall effectiveness on offense.

Changes in Cleveland

In response to their disappointing start, the Cavaliers made a bold move ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. They traded Garland to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for veteran star James Harden. This trade signifies a strategic shift for Cleveland, and the early results have been promising. With Harden now on board, the Cavaliers have won their first three games since the trade and currently sit at 34-21, good for fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Looking Ahead for Lonzo Ball

As Lonzo Ball reflects on his time with the Cavaliers, he acknowledges the challenges he faced. While he admitted that he could play better, he expressed uncertainty about the label of being a scapegoat. Ball remains a talented player, and at this stage, he is available to sign with a new team before the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. His next step could prove pivotal in reviving his career and proving his value in the league once more.

Conclusion

Lonzo Ball's journey with the Cleveland Cavaliers was marked by high expectations that ultimately led to disappointment for both him and the franchise. As he navigates his entry into free agency, the basketball community will be watching closely to see where his career path leads next, and if he can rediscover his form on a new team.