Lonzo Ball to miss Summer League matchup with De’Aaron Fox

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to square off against the rival Sacramento Kings Monday night in Summer League. Unfortunately, they will be doing so without their top draft pick, Lonzo Ball.

Following a disappointing first game, Lonzo Ball followed suit with a triple-double for the Los Angeles Lakers that quelled some fans’ worries, just in time for a highly-anticipated matchup against the Kings’ first draft choice, De’Aaron Fox. The former UCLA and Kentucky standouts have already created a “rivalry” that has fans excited for the future. Sadly, their first professional bout must be put on hold due to an untimely groin injury for Ball.

Although this is a smart decision from the Lakers coaching staff in order to preserve Lonzo and not take any risks, it’s still disappointing the rematch will have to wait. These two point guards, along with Markelle Fultz, have huge upside and will likely be the future of their respective franchises.

Their matchup in the Sweet 16, which Fox dominated by the way, has paved the way for their rivalry to continue into the pro scene. Coincidentally, they were drafted by one time rivals, the Lakers and Kings. Unfortunately that rivalry has cooled off recently, mostly due to lack of talent.

Ball and Fox are poised to bring the fire back to that once intense rivalry. There is a viewing party at the Golden One Center in Sacramento in anticipation of this game,  so some fans will surely be disappointed now. Especially De’Aaron Fox, apparently.

Fox tweeted this after the news broke, but promptly deleted it. Clearly he was ready to kick off what may blossom into one of the best player rivalries in the NBA. Although this delay is unfortunate, it will only make the next matchup that much sweeter.

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The wait will surely be worth it, it is just a matter of how long that wait will be.