Dallas Mavericks: $40 Million Big Listed as 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

'Just Moved Up to Being the No. 1 Team for the East' – Cleveland Cavaliers Draw Bold Claim From LaVar Ball After Lonzo Ball Trade

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 11:06 AM ET

LaVar Ball has higher expectations for the Cleveland Cavaliers after the team acquired his oldest son, Lonzo, from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Isaac Okoro.

The famed basketball patriarch strongly believes Lonzo Ball is the missing piece the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are coming off a 64-win campaign but fell short in the playoffs, need to take the next step.

“Lonzo’s always been that piece you need for a championship – they’ve got to make everyone better,” LaVar said on ESPN Cleveland. “So, Cleveland just moved up to being the No. 1 team for the East.”

Jan 8, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

“Yeah, he’s had some problems in the past,” he continued. “You’re always going to have problems when you’re trying to carry everybody on your back. When you’ve got all of this help now, I don’t see why they can’t win the championship.”

Cleveland Cavaliers lose Ty Jerome to free agency, re-up with Sam Merrill

The Cleveland Cavaliers traded for Lonzo Ball because they anticipated the free agency departure of Ty Jerome, who recently signed a three-year, $28 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies.

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

Ball is expected to be the backup point guard behind Darius Garland. The former second overall pick averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals on 36.6 percent shooting from the field across 34 regular season appearances (14 starts) in 2024-25.

In other news, the Cleveland Cavaliers re-signed Sam Merrill to a four-year, $38 million contract. This move will increase the team’s tax penalty next season by about $50 million to nearly $143 million.