Lakers enforcing 'LaVar Ball rule' to ban reporters from guest area at Staples

The Los Angeles Lakers are enforcing "an existing policy" that prohibits media members from going to the section of Staples Center designated for family and associates of players following games, reports ESPN's Chris Haynes.

"It's not a new policy; it's an existing policy," a Lakers spokesperson told ESPN. "There has been more media presence in that area than before. That section is strictly for family and guests of players. It's a privacy concern."

While it may not be new, the unofficially named "LaVar Ball Rule" forbids reporters from interviewing family, friends, and agents waiting for players postgame behind the basket near the visiting team's locker room or by the tunnel leading to the corridors, after allowing such interactions in previous seasons.

Related: LaVar says Randle should have passed to Lonzo to beat Warriors in regulation

LaVar Ball spoke to reporters on the court following the Lakers' opening-night loss to the Clippers, defending his son Lonzo's play in his NBA debut. Per the NBA's rule, only credentialed individuals can enter the court, which LaVar wasn't.

The outspoken father hasn't fielded questions on the hardwood since, but has publicly criticized the Lakers at other locales, saying they're "soft" and "don't know how to coach (his) son."

Thanks for nothing, LaVar.