Informal and friendly:
* "Hey lad, fancy a pint after work?"
* "That lad's got a real knack for fixing things."
* "The little lad was thrilled to get a new bike for his birthday."
Slightly old-fashioned:
* "The old lad was a real character, always telling stories about his youth."
* "That young lad's got a bright future ahead of him."
In a more formal context, "lad" can be used to refer to a young man, especially in a historical or literary setting:
* "The young lad was sent to sea at the age of twelve."
* "The lad's bravery was commended by the king."
Important Note: While "lad" can be a friendly term, it's important to be aware of the context and audience. In some cases, it might be perceived as outdated, patronizing, or even offensive.