The Tribune

By INIGO 'NAUGHTY' ZENICAZELAYA

DON'T get it twisted, this is not an open embrace for LeBron James, just a simple thank you. Yes, thank you LBJ for putting a muzzle on the overly annoying and irritating LaVar Ball. Yes, Lonzo's daddy!!

The outspoken, erratic father of Lonzo Ball used to be the talk of the Lakers franchise. Some called it a distraction, while others saw it as entertainment. His brash personality made him more than happy to stand in front of the cameras and spew outlandish and sometimes preposterous commentary.

But that's stopped, because LeBron James' arrival in Lakerland is the reason why.

Several NBA general managers, who wished to remain nameless, share the same sentiment.

LeBron James has so much influence on any team he's a part of. He's one of the only athletes in the world whose greatness transcends sport, so his influence is immeasurable.

Begrudgingly, even I must admit, James is also who has single-handedly put the Lakers back in the playoff conversation.

Hopefully there will be no feuds with Luke Walton, similar to last season or any more ridiculous comments from LaVar Ball regarding his progeny.

KEEP AN EYE OUT

New Orleans Pelicans all star centre Anthony Davis can become an unrestricted free agent in 2020. He fired his agent Thad Foucher in September and signed with Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, who is LeBron James' agent and good friend.

Rich Paul has become one of the NBA's pre-eminent power brokers, boasting John Wall, Ben Simmons and Eric Bledsoe as clients, along with James and Davis.

"It was for who I am right now in my career and what I'm trying to do," Davis told the media in September.

"I thought the change was necessary. That's all it was. Just trying to be the most dominant player in the league. I think making that change to Klutch will help me do so."

The Lakers adding Davis could be very complicated.

The Lakers are expected to be major players this summer in free agency and will likely tie up the maximum salary space they could give to Davis in 2020.

That means a trade is probably the best route to get this done.

Could Davis be the next superstar centre for the Lakers, joining the likes of George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal before him.

The jury is still out, but it's a fun story to follow, especially in Lakerland.

• Naughty presents 'Mischief and Mayhem in da AM' from 6am to 10am, Monday to Friday and 'The Press Box' sports talk show on Sunday from 10am to 1pm, on KISS FM 96.1.Comments and questions to naughty@tribunemedia.net