LaMelo dismisses LaVar's reservations about Warriors: 'I'm my own man'
LaVar Ball has been outspoken about the problems his son LaMelo would have if the Golden State Warriors selected the highly-touted prospect with the No. 2 pick in this year's NBA draft.
However, the American teenager made it clear he doesn't share his father's thoughts.
"I'm my own man. He's his own man. He has his opinions. I have mine," LaMelo told reporters, including theScore, Monday during his NBA draft combine media availability. "Like I said, I feel like I can play on any team and do good anywhere I go ... Anywhere is a great fit."
LaMelo has arguably the highest ceiling in the 2020 draft class, but he isn't a natural fit alongside the Warriors' backcourt tandem of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
In June, LaVar voiced his concern regarding the potential scenario.
"They got Klay and the other guys, and now you want to put Melo in that mix to say you got to follow these guys," LaVar said on the Say Less with Kaz podcast, according to NBC Sports' Josh Schrock. "Melo ain't no follower. He don't need to do what they do, let them do they thing."
LaMelo tore up the Australian NBL this past season, averaging 17 points, 7.6 boards, 6.8 assists, and 1.6 steals en route to earning Rookie of the Year honors.
During his brief stint Down Under, LaMelo demonstrated elite court vision and sound decision-making, posting a 2.7 assist-to-turnover ratio. The 19-year-old also became the youngest player in league history to register a triple-double.