Feb 26, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) shoots against LA Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

'Competing for a Ring, That is the Goal' – Cleveland Cavaliers’ Lonzo Ball Has a Clear Mission Ahead of 2025-26

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 7:52 AM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers recently traded Isaac Okoro in exchange for Lonzo Ball because the team lost Ty Jerome to the Memphis Grizzlies in free agency. Ball gives Cleveland more depth at the point guard position, and the former second overall pick broke his silence on the trade.

“Just playing, competing for a ring. I feel like that should be the goal, I feel like that is the goal,” Ball said on his podcast. “So, happy to get over there and get started. To meet everybody, get familiar with everything, and take it as far as we can.”

“I feel like it’s just a blessing, bro. To be honest, I mean, everybody keeps asking me how I feel about the trade. I’m like, s*** I’m happy to still be playing anywhere, let alone a team that has a real chance to win a ring. My whole life, I feel like I’ve been playing the right brand of basketball, and that’s to win games, so I feel like I’m going to a great situation, and I just want to play my role and do what I can to help,” he added.

NBA Trade Rumors: LA Lakers Looking For Three First Round Picks For JJ Redick To Build Around 2 Dec 8, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) reacts during the second half of a basketball game against the Philadelphia 76ers at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

After an injury-riddled stint with the Chicago Bulls, Ball is ready for a fresh start in Cleveland. The 27-year-old guard averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals across 35 regular season games for the Chicago Bulls in 2024-25.

Cleveland Cavaliers News: Donovan Mitchell drops blunt take on the team’s playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers

The Cleveland Cavaliers were supposed to make a deep playoff run after a 64-win regular season. However, they exited in the second round after losing to the Indiana Pacers in five games. In a recent interview with Taylor Rooks, Donovan Mitchell plans to use this as motivation to be better next season.

Mar 5, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) is interviewed after the game between the Cavaliers and the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

“This loss (against the Pacers) definitely messed me up a little bit. You know what I mean, more so than most years. And that’s what it’s going to take for it to not happen again,” Mitchell reflected. “I was in Cleveland for about a week after – usually after the season, I fly out right away, I have to go back home. I couldn’t leave ’cause it was just like there’s no way (it’s over).”

“I think that’s ultimately going to fuel me. I’m at that point now where I’ve accepted it, and now I’m using it to work,” he added.