Magic likens LaVar Ball to Kardashian matriarch: 'We didn't say she was bad'

Los Angeles Lakers president Magic Johnson reiterated this week that the media antics of LaVar Ball will have no influence on whether the Lakers select Lonzo Ball with the No. 2 pick in next month's draft.

"I don't look at any parent when it comes to a professional league," Johnson told ESPN LA 710's "Marcellus and Kevin" on Wednesday. "I have no problem with LaVar."

Johnson then drew a comparison to another only-in-L.A. story, the Kardashians.

"The Kardashians, we didn't say the mom was bad, and she made them a lot of money, right?" he said. "I think it's the same here, (LaVar is) saying 'my son's great' and there's nothing bad with that."

Johnson went on the record earlier this month by saying the potential distraction of the senior Ball wouldn't dictate the Lakers' draft strategy. While most observers expect the purple and gold to select the UCLA product, other reports have suggested it's not a given.

Related: Ball reportedly not a lock for Lakers, who'll look hard at Fox

Last week, The Vertical's Jonathon Givony said the Lakers were trying to set up a head-to-head workout between Ball and De'Aaron Fox, who torched Ball in the NCAA tournament. Johnson didn't discuss that report, but did say the team was in the process of setting up a workout with Ball.

Despite LaVar's earlier proclamation that his son would only work out for his hometown Lakers, a report surfaced Thursday that he would consider visiting the Philadelphia 76ers, holders of the No. 3 pick.

Johnson, meanwhile, reminded listeners that once players arrive in the NBA, they are all over the age of 18 and can be considered adults.

"This young man has been a champion in high school, he's gone on to have a stellar career at UCLA, and his father was talking then and it didn't bother (Lonzo)," Johnson said. "So as long as it doesn't bother him, it's not going to bother the Lakers organization as long as Lonzo performs on the basketball court."