Dion Waiters says Lakers best fit for Lonzo Ball, not Heat

If nothing else, former UCLA guard Lonzo Ball will go into the NBA draft this summer as the most talked-about player.

With father LaVar Ball being everywhere, from agent to marketing director, Lonzo has certainly been hyped.

So where will he go? While most projections have him going high — USA TODAY's mock draft has him at No. 2 — it is no secret that the Ball family would like for him to stay at home and go to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Would that be the best move, to play for your hometown team?

"It depends," said Miami Heat guard Dion Waiters, a young player in the league at 25. "Honestly if you're built for that and you're ready for it, mentally, as far as off the court, then go ahead. Go for it. But I think a lot of guys need to branch off from home for a while so you can figure everything out, learn how to take care of off-the-court issues so when you do go back home if you decide to, the transition would be easier. Sometimes it can be very tough."

Waiters, appearing on ESPN's First Take on Tuesday, said that with all of that being said, the Lakers' system might be what works best for Ball.

MORE:

Underdog Boston Celtics out to prove they belong vs. Cleveland Cavs

NBA draft lottery: How often has worst team landed No. 1 overall pick?

"It's the best fit for him," he said. "You've got to go somewhere where he is able to play his game, and he's got to go somewhere where he's able to make mistakes. Because in this game today you have to be able to make mistakes and have a coach who allows you to make those mistakes so you can learn from it."

When asked if Miami, the team with the worst odds of getting the top pick, would be a good fit for Ball, Waiters didn't hesitate. "Nah. Not Miami. We've got the Dragon (Goran Dragic), we've got Tyler Johnson, we've got a bunch of dogs in Miami. You've got to be a dog to come over there."

Waiters has already played for three teams in five seasons. His advice for Ball?

"Work on your game. Block everything else out. Don't worry about your brand," he said. "Work on your game. So you can come into the league ready and prepared. And, just listen, listen and learn. There are going to be obstacles that you'll face that your parents can't help you, your teammates, we can be there and talk to you, but you have to go through them by yourself so you can learn and get over the hump."