Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball will face brother LaMelo in the NBA for the first time on Friday night in a game against the Hornets. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Lonzo Ball reacts to first matchup against brother LaMelo

Originally posted on Game 7 | By Charles Kruger | Last updated 1/8/21

LaMelo and Lonzo Ball are two of the most intriguing up-and-coming stars in the NBA today.

On Friday evening, the pair will square off in their first ever professional head-to-head duel when the Charlotte Hornets take on the New Orleans Pelicans.

Ahead of the big matchup, Lonzo was asked how he felt about going against his little brother.

@ZO2_ on facing his brother LaMelo tomorrow #WontBowDown pic.twitter.com/jmh4GX8GsP

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 7, 2021

“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” he said.

“It’s our first time matching up in a real game, but I think it’s going to be an opportunity to just get back on track. We’ve lost the last two so we want to turn it around.”

Above all else, Lonzo just wants to secure the W for his ballclub.

“It’s just about getting the win. It’ll be cool seeing him out there and everything but he’s going to do what he can for his team and I’m going to do what I can for my team and go from there.”

LaMelo, the third overall selection in the 2020 NBA Draft, is averaging 12.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists through his first eight games.

Lonzo, meanwhile, is averaging 13.4 points per game, 4.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists.

Because free agency looms after this season, Lonzo is obviously consistently under more pressure to perform well than his brother. That said, coming out with a strong showing in this one will probably be pretty sweet, especially from a bragging rights perspective.

The Hornets and Pelicans will tip-off Friday at 4:30 p.m. PT on ESPN.

This article first appeared on Game 7 and was syndicated with permission.

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