Latest news with #LaVarBall
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"He's going to get a lot of people coming at him" - When Pat Bev admitted he targeted Lonzo because of LaVar's exaggerated comments
"He's going to get a lot of people coming at him" - When Pat Bev admitted he targeted Lonzo because of LaVar's exaggerated comments originally appeared on Basketball Network. Lonzo Ball had quite the introduction into the NBA. Selected with the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by his hometown Los Angeles Lakers, his arrival came with more noise than most rookies ever have to endure. The noise wasn't entirely of his own making either; it was manufactured, magnified and multiplied by the presence of his outspoken father, LaVar Ball. In the months leading up to the draft, LaVar had done just about everything to place a spotlight on his son, boldly predicting that Lonzo would not only be the best player in the draft but also a better player than Stephen Curry. The defensive statement Lonzo's first official taste of the NBA came against Patrick Beverley, who was fresh off a season in which he'd been named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team and had just picked up the league's Hustle Award. In short, Beverley was not the type of opponent one would want to ease into the league against. There would be no easing in — Pat came into that game with a purpose. "I told him, due to all the riff-raff his dad brings, he's going to get a lot of people coming at him and he has to be ready for that," Beverley said later. "He has to perform on a stage like this every night. It's not only going to be me. It's going to be a lot of people trying to go at his head." True to his word, Beverley made it a point to hound the rookie across the floor, pressuring him full court, stripping the ball from him, barking in his ear and holding him to just three points on 1-for-6 shooting. Ball managed only four assists and nine rebounds in 29 minutes. For someone touted as a generational playmaker, it was an underwhelming debut, and Beverley knew it. It wasn't enough that Patrick had dominated him on the floor. As the final buzzer sounded, he chased one tunnel while Lonzo headed down another, shaken and speechless. He screamed about "weak a— motherf—r," making sure Zo left the court with more than just a bruised stat sheet. This was a message that the NBA wasn't going to be easy, and if his father was going to talk, Lonzo was going to have to pay the flame dimmed The hype surrounding Zo had been building for years. From his standout high school days at Chino Hills to his electric freshman season at UCLA, where he averaged 14.6 points and 7.6 assists per game, Ball was billed as the next great floor general. However, much of that excitement was stirred into frenzy by LaVar, who had turned the Ball family into a brand, launched Big Baller Brand and regularly drew media attention with his wild takes and staged theatrics. That pressure, though, didn't translate into immediate success. Lonzo wasn't technically a bad player — he had some good nights like scoring a then-career high 29 points and had 11 rebounds and nine assists in just his second NBA game — but he was largely consistent during his rookie season with the Lakers. The oldest Ball brother struggled with his shooting form, often criticized for his awkward mechanics and inconsistency. He also battled shoulder and knee injuries that limited him to just 52 games. And the following season, after showing some progress, Zo suffered an ankle sprain that sidelined him again. The Lakers, needing to make room for a superstar, packaged Ball along with Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart to the New Orleans Pelicans in the blockbuster trade that brought Anthony Davis to Los Angeles in 2019. While Ball showed glimpses of improvement with the Pelicans, better shooting numbers, improved defensive presence and more confident decision-making, the fanfare that once surrounded him had quieted. LaVar's voice, too, faded from the headlines. The NBA had moved on from the spectacle. What remained was a young point guard trying to carve out a steady career without the burden of exaggerated story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers jersey history No. 2 — Lonzo Ball
Through the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a total of 506 players suit up for them, going back to their days in Minneapolis. Some were forgettable, some were serviceable, some were good and a select few were flat-out legendary. As the Lakers approach their 80th season of existence (they were founded back in 1946 as the Detroit Gems in the National Basketball League), LeBron Wire is taking a look at each player who has worn their jersey, whether it has been a purple and gold one or the ones they donned back in the Midwest during their early years. Here's a look back at Lonzo Ball's time with the Lakers. Ball grew up in Chino Hills, which is about an hour east of downtown Los Angeles, and he played one year of college basketball at the University of California, Los Angeles. Throughout his lone season there, the hype surrounding him slowly grew, and there was a growing anticipation that perhaps the Lakers would draft him. The Lakers did end up taking him with the No. 2 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Magic Johnson, who was then their president of basketball operations, was very impressed with Ball and even joked that the incoming rookie could break some of his records. Plenty of people thought Ball would become a superstar and even a Hall of Famer. The vast majority of that hype emanated from LaVar Ball, his loquacious father, who never missed an opportunity to shamelessly promote himself or the 6-foot-6 guard. The elder Ball even boasted that the younger Ball was better than Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry — when the younger Ball was still in college. The younger Ball never exactly met the hype. In two seasons with the Lakers, he averaged 10.0 points, 6.4 assists and 6.2 rebounds a game while shooting 38% from the field and 31.5% from 3-point range. In halfcourt situations, the team seemed to be playing four on five when he was on the court due to his lack of one-on-one skills, poor perimeter shooting and peculiar shot mechanics. He was included in the 2019 trade that brought superstar big man Anthony Davis to town. The younger Ball ended up fixing his shot mechanics and becoming a potent 3-point shooter, but he has never been able to avoid major injuries. During his time in L.A., he appeared in 99 of a possible 164 games due to multiple injuries, including a sprained ankle that forced him to miss about three months of action. As a member of the Chicago Bulls, he was expected to miss no more than eight weeks when he tore his meniscus in January 2022, but he didn't return to action until the start of this past season. Most Lakers fans now agree that the team made a mistake by taking the younger Ball in the 2017 draft, when it could've instead chosen Jayson Tatum, De'Aaron Fox or Donovan Mitchell, just to name a few players who have done much better in the pros. This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers jersey history No. 2 — Lonzo Ball
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
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
LaMelo And Lonzo Ball Looking To Join Forces In Clippers? LaVar's Latest Pitch Promotes Big Move
LaMelo And Lonzo Ball Looking To Join Forces In Clippers? LaVar's Latest Pitch Promotes Big Move originally appeared on Fadeaway World. While players cannot directly approach another team while on contract with another in the NBA, LaVar Ball seems to have found a way around it. As a proud father, LaVar has consistently promoted his sons' careers. It was undoubtedly his vision that brought all three of his sons to an NBA-caliber career. And now he wishes to see two of his sons on the same team, and honestly, I see the vision too, this time. Advertisement LaVar Ball recently went viral for posting a video online in which he pitches to the Clippers that they need to make moves so that two of his sons, who are still in the NBA, LaMelo Ball and Lonzo Ball, can be on their team. He even pitches his third son LiAngelo Ball's name, but it's highly unlikely that he gets an NBA contract when he is focused on building a music career. "If you want a championship, listen to me. I'm making it very easy. Everybody trying to go out and make these trades. Hey, Melo should be over here, Melo should be over here. I don't care where you put Melo, but what I do tell you if you put him with his brother, he will go to his original spot, which is the two... He loves to score, but the only person he'll move over from the one spot is his brother Lonzo. Get Lonzo, Melo, and Gelo. Can't nobody beat my guys playing fast." He even says that the type of basketball his sons play together is similar to what has taken the Pacers to the NBA Finals this season. Can The Clippers Lure LaMelo Ball And Lonzo Ball? LaMelo Ball is in the second year of his max extension with the Hornets and is looking to earn $37.95 million in 2025-26. Lonzo Ball is in the first year of a two-year extension where he is set to earn $10 million, despite missing most of the last two seasons with the Bulls. Getting a contract extension despite an injury-prone history indicates that the Bulls have a plan to use Lonzo on their team. Advertisement If the Clippers set things in motion to acquire LaMelo Ball, the first major decision they will have to make is trading James Harden or Kawhi Leonard to make room for a max contract. Getting Lonzo Ball to come may be easier, but the Hornets will likely have a massive asking price if the Clippers seek a trade for their only All-Star. Both Ball brothers grew up playing basketball for the same high school and were in fact, on the same team for a year. While Lonzo is a pass-first point guard, LaMelo is more focused on scoring but has equivalent playmaking skills to his brother. If the Clippers go all-in on going younger, then they may be able to pull off these moves. Here's what we consider a reasonable asking price for both players: LaMelo Ball: One veteran player (Kawhi Leonard or James Harden) + 2 first-round picks Lonzo Ball: One reliable veteran (Bogdan Bogdanovic) While the Clippers have not yet expressed any public interest in these players, behind closed doors, they may be frustrated with Kawhi Leonard's vulnerability to injury and decide to go younger. Do you think the Clippers will pull the trigger on a trade that brings both of these players back home to LA? Let us know what you think in the comments section. Related: NBA Insider Hints At A Potential Kevin Durant-James Harden Reunion Amid Trade Rumors This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
