When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Lonzo Ball, then-team president Magic Johnson said that he saw a potential franchise player who could have his jersey in the rafters one day.

Two injury-riddled seasons later, Ball was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in a blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis (after Johnson resigned months earlier). But if you believe Ball, the former Lakers guard was ready to get out of Los Angeles. He wasn't mad about it either.

Ball spoke to ESPN about the trade, and he explained how he was ready for a fresh start in New Orleans. The news of his trade, which he found out about in a car ride to his brother LaMelo's Drew League game, was initially met with excitement.

"I was kind of excited, honestly," Ball said. "I kind of figured someone was going to get moved soon enough. I knew Anthony Davis wanted to come bad. Anytime you can get a guy like that, you are going to have to do what you have to do to get him. So I was kind of already just waiting for it, honestly, and I was happy to go with two guys I am comfortable with in B.I. (Brandon Ingram) and JHart (Josh Hart). I am excited to see what we can do.

"I tell people when I was a rookie, I probably would have been sad. Just being from L.A., having my whole family here and wanting to be a Laker. But being in the league for two years, knowing it's a business, as long you get to play, that's a blessing in itself. I'm excited to get started."

Ball, who still isn't medically cleared for full-contact activities, added that he was particularly excited to team up with No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson.