Lonzo Ball was tortured by Patrick Beverley in his first NBA game

JR Isaga

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Lonzo Ball was tortured by Patrick Beverley in his first NBA game
Clippers' Patrick Beverley didn't exactly roll out the red carpet for Lonzo Ball in his NBA debut

MANILA, Philippines – Lonzo Ball probably now wishes his daddy LaVar didn’t talk too much.

In the second overall pick’s highly-anticipated official Los Angeles Lakers debut, he just had to cross paths first with the Clippers’ All-Defense 1st Team member Patrick Beverley. On paper, it wouldn’t end well for the rookie, and nothing changed when reality hit in the season’s first Battle of LA.

Very early into the first quarter, the hounding Beverley got up in Ball’s grill from the back court and fouled the youngster, sending him to the floor the moment he crossed halfcourt. Clearly rattled, Ball committed a backcourt violation the moment play resumed because he had already crossed halfcourt beforehand, prompting Beverley to celebrate like he already won the game.

The harassment didn’t stop as long as Ball was on the floor. Beverley denied the rookie any chance of getting into a rhythm on his watch. The torment even continued on offense, as Beverley hit Ball with a John Cena “you can’t see me” taunt after he hit a three on the rookie’s face. 

After 29 minutes of agony, Ball finished his professional debut with 3 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists on 1/6 shooting as the Clippers coasted over the Lakers, 108-92.

But Beverley wasn’t done. After the game, he was asked about his thoughts regarding his defense on Ball by ESPN’s Marc Spears. As he eloquently put it, “Weak-ass motherf–cker. Bring him out on the court with me and I will tear his ass up.”

Just like daddy wanted, the spotlight of media scrutiny is now solely on his first-born. Whether or not he crumples under the pressure remains to be seen, but he’s certainly off to a cold start.

Welcome to the NBA, Lonzo Ball. – Rappler.com

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