Lonzo Ball Rejects 'Scapegoat' Narrative After Cavs Exit

The former No. 2 overall pick maintains he wasn't playing as poorly as people claim during his brief stint in Cleveland.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Free agent guard Lonzo Ball pushed back on the narrative that he was playing terribly during his brief stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, which ended with him being traded to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team deal. Ball acknowledged he wasn't playing great, but argued his poor shooting percentages were being overblown and that he wasn't the sole reason for the Cavaliers' struggles.

Why it matters

Ball was seen as a key offseason addition for the Cavaliers, who were hoping his playmaking, defense, and unselfishness would bolster their roster. His inability to find his rhythm and contribute as expected led to him being traded away quickly, raising questions about his future in the league after missing two seasons due to a knee injury.

The details

In 35 games for the Cavaliers, Ball averaged 4.6 points on 30.1% shooting, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in 20.8 minutes off the bench. He acknowledged he wasn't playing great, but argued his poor shooting percentages were being overblown, saying 'That's four shots a game. Sh***y, but I promise we aren't winning or losing games off of four shots.'

  • Ball was traded from the Cavaliers to the Utah Jazz on February 17, 2026.

The players

Lonzo Ball

A 28-year-old free agent guard who was recently traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team deal.

Kenny Atkinson

The head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who praised Ball's unselfishness, playmaking, and defense when the team signed him in the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“I don't feel like I'm playing as badly as people are saying. I know I'm the scapegoat right now. But look, that comes with the name though and that comes with what they brought me in for.”

— Lonzo Ball (Ball in the Family Podcast)

“Can I play better? Yes. Have I been playing terribly? I don't think I have.”

— Lonzo Ball (Ball in the Family Podcast)

What’s next

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly interested in signing Lonzo Ball as a free agent.

The takeaway

Lonzo Ball's struggles in Cleveland have raised questions about his future in the NBA, but the former No. 2 overall pick maintains he wasn't playing as poorly as the narrative suggests. His inability to find a consistent rhythm could make it difficult for him to land another opportunity, though the Warriors' reported interest indicates there may still be a market for his unique skillset.