Lonzo Ball Says He Was Cavs' 'Scapegoat' After Jazz Trade

Former Cavaliers guard opened up about criticism he faced before being traded at NBA deadline.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Lonzo Ball referred to himself as a "scapegoat" when discussing the end of his tenure with the organization. Ball was traded to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team swap on Feb. 4 before Utah waived him and allowed him to hit free agency.

Why it matters

Ball's comments shed light on the challenges players can face when they struggle on the court and become a target for fan criticism, especially on a team that is underperforming. His experience highlights the complex dynamics between players, teams, and fans in the NBA.

The details

In a podcast episode, Ball said "I know I'm the scapegoat right now but that comes with the name, though." He acknowledged he could play better, but added "Have I been playing terrible? I don't think I have. I've been shooting bad." The Cavaliers traded Ball to the Jazz as part of a deadline deal before Utah waived him, allowing Ball to become a free agent.

  • On Feb. 4, 2026, the Cavaliers traded Lonzo Ball to the Utah Jazz as part of a three-team swap.

The players

Lonzo Ball

A former guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers who was traded to the Utah Jazz at the NBA trade deadline.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The NBA team that traded Lonzo Ball as part of a deadline deal.

Utah Jazz

The NBA team that acquired Lonzo Ball in a trade with the Cavaliers before waiving him.

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What they’re saying

“I know I'm the scapegoat right now but that comes with the name, though.”

— Lonzo Ball (Ball In The Family podcast)

“Can I play better? Yes. Have I been playing terrible? I don't think I have. I've been shooting bad.”

— Lonzo Ball (Ball In The Family podcast)

The takeaway

Lonzo Ball's experience with the Cavaliers highlights the challenges players can face when they struggle on the court and become a target for fan criticism, especially on a team that is underperforming. His comments shed light on the complex dynamics between players, teams, and fans in the NBA.