Latest news with #BigBallerBrand
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
"My thoughts are, execute properly" - When Kobe reacted to Lonzo's decision to rock his own shoe rather than join a top shoe brand
"My thoughts are, execute properly" - When Kobe reacted to Lonzo's decision to rock his own shoe rather than join a top shoe brand originally appeared on Basketball Network. Lonzo Ball was one of the most highly coveted shoe endorsers after the Los Angeles Lakers drafted him 2nd overall in the 2017 NBA Draft out of UCLA. However, instead of signing with one of the top shoe brands, Zo defied conventional wisdom by choosing to make his signature shoe under the Big Baller Brand company that his father created. The result was, of course, a disaster. But before the cookie crumbled, CNBC asked the late Kobe Bryant what he thought of Ball's decision to compete with the industry giants instead of joining them, and Kobe gave a forewarning that Lonzo's dad, LaVar, should have probably listened to. "My thoughts are, execute properly," said Kobe. "It's not good enough to have a shoe and launch a shoe. But in that market, in that business, you have to make sure that the product is there. It's the only way that you can challenge the big guys. If the innovation and the quality of the product is there, you give yourself a fighting chance." "So I'm all for that. I'm all for doing things differently. I just think you have to obsess over every single detail about that product, even beyond before getting into the marketing and storytelling of it all, you got to get the product right," he added. LaVar's brand had a lot of issues The Big Baller Brand was established by LaVar and Alan Foster in 2016 for his three sons — Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo—all of whom he expected to become big stars in the NBA. Because it was a small start-up, it could not design much more nor produce its products, mainly basketball shoes. LaVar and his team at BBB designed the first version of Lonzo's ZO2 signature shoe. Although they launched a finished product, it was made available for pre-order at the ridiculous price of $495. After receiving fewer than 1,000 preorders, LaVar partnered with Skechers' subsidiary Brandblack to "remix" the original design and create a better and lighter version of the shoe. Big Baller Brand even offered a refund for customers who preordered the original design but didn't like the one remodeled by Brandblack. It's unclear how many pairs the ZO2 sold, but a year later, Big Baller Brand made Lonzo's second shoe, the ZO2.19, which again was available via preorder. The preorders were initially scheduled for delivery in early 2019, but were moved to May 2019 because of an issue with the shoe's midfoam. That turned out to be the last Lonzo shoe by wanted to sign Zo to Nike Lonzo ended up ditching his ZO2 shoes for the Nike swoosh, and, more interestingly, he was wearing different silhouettes of Kobe's protro shoes. In 2019, there were rumors that the eldest Ball brother signed a shoe deal with Nike, but that cannot be confirmed, as there was never an official statement from him or Nike. What is certain, however, is that no less than Nike founder Phil Knight was interested in signing Lonzo in 2017, but he said that his father asked for a co-branding deal worth $1 billion, which was ridiculous, to say the least. "If he can get it, get it. But it's a little steep," said Knight of LaVar's demands, and Lonzo Ball, he added. "He's an awfully great player. Yeah, we have an interest." Making matters worse was Zo's admission last year that wearing the ZO2 shoes contributed to the series of injuries that caused him to miss over two years of NBA action and almost ended his NBA career. Thankfully, he was able to make it back. Ball was recently traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, his fourth team since joining the NBA. Looking back, Zo said he had always been an Adidas guy, but he was told in 2017 that no top brand wanted to sign him, so he went with his dad's brand. However, that was not really the case as Knight proved. And as Kobe said, there is nothing wrong with doing things on your own. However, they should have done it better and not just relied heavily on the power of LaVar's mouth. Thankfully, LaMelo didn't listen to the Big Baller, and so he has his signature shoe with Puma. Zo can only think of the "what ifs".This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
"We're not looking for an endorsement deal, we're looking for co-branding" - LaVar Ball explained why Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour did not want to sign Lonzo to a shoe deal
"We're not looking for an endorsement deal, we're looking for co-branding" - LaVar Ball explained why Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour did not want to sign Lonzo to a shoe deal originally appeared on Basketball Network. Two months before the 2017 NBA Draft, top shoe brands Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour informed LaVar Ball that they had no intention of signing his son Lonzo to a shoe deal. Advertisement The younger Ball was a projected high lottery pick in that Year's draft after earning All-American first-team honors in his lone season at UCLA. However, after LaVar declared that he wanted a package shoe deal for his three sons worth $1 billion-plus collaboration with his company, Big Baller Brand, every major shoe player on the market shied away from Lonzo. "We've said from the beginning, we aren't looking for an endorsement deal," LaVar explained why nobody wanted his son. "We're looking for co-branding, a true partner. But they're not ready for that because they're not used to that model. But hey, the taxi industry wasn't ready for Uber, either." "Just imagine how rich Tiger, Kobe, Serena, Jordan, and LeBron would have been if they dared to do their own thing," He explained. "No one owned their own brand before they turned pro. We do and I have three sons so it's that much more valuable." LaVar already had a prototype of Lonzo's shoe Aside from Lonzo, LaVar had two other sons playing basketball. His second son, LiAngelo, was scheduled to enroll at UCLA that Year, while his youngest boy, LaMelo, had just finished his sophomore season at Chino Hills High School. Although it was only Zo who was going pro that Year, LaVar fearlessly predicted that all of his sons would be drafted into the NBA when their turn came, so that's why he was demanding a 'package deal'. Advertisement As for Lonzo's shoe, the elder Ball also boasted that he already has the prototype for his son's signature sneaker and is merely waiting for the right partner to produce it. "We're not going to sign with a company and then wait around for five or six years for a shoe like Paul George had to wait for with Nike," Ball added. "I've been working on that shoe ever since my boys were born." Big Baller Brand ended up making Lonzo's shoe A month after the interview, Lonzo's first signature shoe, the ZO2 Prime, was launched on the Big Baller Brand website and available for pre-order for a hefty price of $495. One year later, BBB made a second shoe for Zo called ZO2.19, which cost less than $200. Not long after, he disassociated himself with his father's brand after its co-founder could not account for a large sum of money he put into the business. Advertisement Meanwhile, Gelo went undrafted in 2018 and played in the G-League in 2021 but never got his career going. He is now a successful rapper. On the other hand, LaMelo was drafted third overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2020 and won Rookie of the Year honors. LaMelo ended up signing a shoe deal with Puma. Just this Year, Puma released the fourth installment of Melo's shoe called MB.04. It has not been reported that Lonzo has a shoe deal with any brand. But most of the time, he wears different silhouettes of Kobe Bryant's Nike signature sneakers. The Big Baller Brand continues to sell shoes aside from apparel on its website; however, there are no more basketball shoes in its catalogue. Related: Paul Pierce thinks the Ball family deserves a movie: "It's lit that they all found their lane" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
LaVar Ball wants his sons to play for the Lakers
When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted University of California, Los Angeles guard Lonzo Ball with the No. 2 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, it meant that his father, LaVar, would be front and center. The elder Ball, who played college basketball and had a brief pro football career, was essentially a hype man for his son, as well as the CEO of Big Baller Brand, a clothing and sneaker manufacturer. He drew the ire of many people when he claimed that the younger Ball was a better player than Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry and even said that the younger Ball was "the best player in the world." While the 6-foot-6 guard had his moments, he failed to even come close to playing at an All-Star level, and after two years with the Lakers, they sent him to the New Orleans Pelicans in the Anthony Davis trade. Advertisement Now that a majority share of the Lakers is going to be sold by the Buss family to Mark Walter, the elder Ball wants his three sons — Lonzo, LaMelo and LiAngelo — to play for the Purple and Gold and for Magic Johnson to return to the organization. 'More news!' LaVar said. 'The Lakers just sold for $10 billion. Uh oh. Hey, [Los Angeles] Clippers, you better get my boys or Lakers if you put Magic back in line. Let Magic run this thing so we go get these championships, 'cause he know what to do. Magic, this for you. Since them Lakers is ran by a new group, shoot. A new time, new era. Go get the Ball boys. Hey, it's not even about a bidding war. First come, first serve. 'Whoever wants them championships, better get the Ball boys. Trust me when I tell you. But Magic, if you in line, I'm down with you, dawg. Holler at your boy.' Johnson was the Lakers' president of basketball operations from February 2017 to April 2019. He was a key reason the Lakers drafted Lonzo Ball in 2017, and he even visited the Ball clan in Chino Hills just prior to that year's draft. He has also been involved with Walter since 2012 as part of the group that owns the Los Angeles Dodgers. Under their leadership, the Dodgers have had a tremendous amount of success, which includes two World Series championships in 2020 and 2024. Advertisement Lonzo Ball has had lots of trouble staying healthy since coming into the NBA. As a member of the Chicago Bulls, he suffered a meniscus tear in January 2022, and although he was initially expected to miss up to eight weeks, he ended up being out of action for nearly three calendar years. He ultimately underwent multiple surgical procedures as a result of the injury. Although he returned to action on Nov. 27, 2024, he only played in 35 games afterward. For the season, he averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 22.2 minutes a game while shooting 36.6% from the field. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: LaVar Ball wants his sons to play for the Lakers
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lavar Ball Sends Message to Clippers About Potential Trade for LaMelo Ball
Lavar Ball Sends Message to Clippers About Potential Trade for LaMelo Ball originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Clippers have been linked to some big names already this offseason. They are one of the teams that has contacted the Phoenix Suns about a Kevin Durant trade. Advertisement There was also the report about them potentially having interest in Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday. However, there is only one player whose own family has been pushing the idea of him being traded to the Clippers. That player is Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball. Potential Los Angeles Clippers trade target LaMelo BallJim Dedmon-Imagn Images A few weeks ago his brother, Lonzo Ball, predicted that the Hornets guard would be traded to the Clippers. Now their father has also chimed in on the idea of Ball being traded to LA. In a recent video posted on the Big Baller Brand Instagram page, Lavar Ball called for the Clippers to make a trade for his son. 'So, the Clippers! Bring them god damn Ball boys home and let's go get this championship and quit messing around. All you fans who want a championship back in LA. Yes! Whole new arena with the Ball boys, who ain't gonna go watch that show?' Advertisement There's no questioning LaMelo's talent. The former All-Star averaged 25.2 points and 7.4 assists this past season. The issues with the Clippers making a move for him lie elsewhere. First is his injury history. He hasn't reached 50 games played in any of the last season. The other issue is cost. We just saw what the Grizzlies got for Desmond Bane. The Grizzlies got four first rounders and a pick swap out of the deal. If the Hornets want anything near that for Ball, he would simply be out of the Clippers' price range. The first domino that needs to fall his offseason is Durant as he seems to be the priority for the Clippers. Advertisement Then from there they can start figuring out what other options work for them. Ball is a risky proposition, but he could also be the most talented option for them if they miss out on Durant. Related: $60 Million Former All-Star Named a Potential Trade Target for Clippers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
'I'm hard to kill' – LaMelo Ball's father LaVar Ball had a bigger purpose for fighting his illness that led to an amputated foot
LaVar Ball. Image via: Kirby Lee via AP LaVar Ball, the ever-bold founder of Big Baller Brand and father to NBA stars LaMelo and Lonzo Ball, has revealed the harrowing details behind his recent foot amputation. Now, the outspoken patriarch is using his voice to inspire others to take their health seriously before it's too late. While he was explaining his experience, LaVar shared his true motivation for continuing to fight his illness. Here's what motivated LaVar Ball to keep on fighting his illness LaVar Ball. Image via: Getty Images After his recovery, LaVar Ball has appeared in several TikTok clips shared by creator Primby, where fans noticed something was off. The speculation was confirmed when SLAM magazine published an exclusive interview in which Ball laid everything on the table, including the terrifying ordeal that led to the loss of his right foot. 'What I want people to understand is that anytime you're dealing with an illness or something serious like that, one thing you better have is family to get you through that stuff,' Ball said. The usually animated father admitted there were moments where he felt close to giving up. 'I'm the Big Baller. I'm hard to kill. But I must admit that my boys kept me rolling. Cause a couple of times, I was like, I can't do no more blood transfusions. I can't do no more operations.' Watching his sons, LaMelo and Lonzo, in the NBA and LiAngelo rising as a hip-hop artist, gave him the strength to keep going. 'That made me feel better. So, then I was like, Let me go ahead and just do these other surgeries and blood transfusions.' Further, LaVar wants people to treat health issues with urgency. 'From my experience the last couple months, I want to get in people's heads the importance of taking care of your health, especially Black people, because sometimes we're not trying to go to the hospital... And sometimes it's a little more serious than what you think.' Reflecting on how he nearly didn't make it, Ball shared his terrifying reality, 'The doctors said, Big Baller, you were very close to having to shut it down. But they were quick enough to give me the blood transfusions and keep that poison from going throughout my body.' 'I still eat my sugar, but I pay attention to it... Because I'm going to tell you this, a little amputation and a little of this, it could all have been prevented.' Even after the amputation, Ball remains focused on his mission. 'OK, my foot is gone, but my brain is still here. So, I might not be able to move as fast… but what's the next step? Do I keep talking about the brand? Still keep talking about shoes?' He added, 'I got a lot of limbs to come off. I'm hard to kill. I got some bigger stuff that the Big Baller still gotta do.' In the end, it was his family and his relentless belief in his own purpose that carried him through. 'As long as I can smile and see my boys, I'm good... I still got folks around me that work hard and understand my drive to build a brand, to make shoes and to make other folks have the confidence in what they're doing.' Also Read: Who's responsible for Tom Thibodeau's exit from New York Knicks? NBA insider spills beans on front office decision In spirit, LaVar has not changed one bit, continuing his bold approach to life and his story, for many, could be the right inspiration as he fought the battle the hardest way possible.
