LaVar Ball, born in 1967, is a 57-year-old American businessman, former football player, and media personality with a net worth of approximately $4 million. He is widely recognized for his outspoken personality, co-founding Big Baller Brand, and raising three basketball prodigies—Lonzo, LaMelo, and LiAngelo Ball. His journey from an aspiring athlete to a businessman has been filled with controversies, entrepreneurial ventures, and significant media attention.
Who is LaVar Ball and What is His Background?
Born in Los Angeles, California, LaVar Ball grew up in a family of seven siblings. He attended Canoga Park High School, excelling in both basketball and football. Ball later played basketball at West Los Angeles College, Washington State University, and Cal State Los Angeles before briefly transitioning to football at Long Beach City College. His athletic background set the stage for his later career as a businessman and sports entrepreneur.
Did LaVar Ball Ever Play Professional Sports?
Although Ball was never a standout player in professional sports, he briefly played in the World League of American Football (WLAF) for the London Monarchs. He was signed by the NFL’s New York Jets and spent time on practice squads for both the Jets and Carolina Panthers but never played an official NFL game. Following an injury, he retired and shifted his focus toward personal training and later business.
How Did LaVar Ball Build Big Baller Brand?
In 2016, LaVar co-founded Big Baller Brand (BBB), a sports apparel company, alongside Alan Foster. His vision was to establish a family-led business that would rival major sports brands. In 2017, BBB launched its first signature shoe, the ZO2, priced at an ambitious $495. This marketing strategy set the brand apart but also led to criticism for its high pricing and limited reach.
Over time, BBB encountered several challenges, including allegations of mismanagement and financial mishandling. Lonzo Ball distanced himself from the brand in 2019 after alleging that Alan Foster embezzled $1.5 million from the company. Despite setbacks, LaVar has continued to push the brand forward, attempting to regain credibility and recognition in the sportswear industry.
What Was the Purpose of the Junior Basketball Association (JBA)?
In 2017, LaVar Ball launched the Junior Basketball Association (JBA) as an alternative league for young players who wanted to bypass the NCAA and turn professional immediately after high school. Players in the JBA were paid and wore Big Baller Brand gear, making it a promotional extension of LaVar’s business.
However, the league faced criticism for its lack of structure, financial instability, and allegations that it was primarily a promotional tool for LaVar’s sons rather than a legitimate basketball platform. The JBA folded in 2019 after only one season due to these issues.
Why is LaVar Ball Controversial in the Media?
LaVar Ball has been at the center of numerous media controversies due to his bold and often outlandish statements. Some of his most infamous claims include:
- Declaring that his son Lonzo was better than Stephen Curry.
- Claiming he could defeat Michael Jordan in a one-on-one basketball game.
- Stating that all three of his sons would be top NBA draft picks.
Additionally, Ball has been criticized for his remarks about women. In a 2017 interview on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, he refused to engage with female host Kristine Leahy and dismissed her questions with the phrase, “Stay in your lane.” His behavior toward female referees during the Adidas Summer Championships also drew backlash, leading to further criticism of his approach to the sports industry.
How Did the Shoplifting Incident in China Affect LaVar Ball’s Reputation?
In 2017, LaVar’s son LiAngelo Ball and two UCLA teammates were arrested in China for shoplifting. The players faced potential prison sentences, but charges were eventually dropped. The incident gained international attention when then-President Donald Trump claimed to have intervened in securing their release.
LaVar downplayed Trump’s role, leading to a public feud between the two. Trump took to Twitter to demand gratitude from LaVar, while Ball insisted his son’s release was not due to any political intervention. The incident added to LaVar’s reputation for being brash and unapologetic, further fueling media debates about his influence in the sports world.
What is LaVar Ball’s Relationship with His Sons Today?
Despite controversies, LaVar remains deeply involved in the careers of his sons:
- Lonzo Ball was drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017 and has since played for the Chicago Bulls.
- LaMelo Ball was drafted third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets and won Rookie of the Year in 2021.
- LiAngelo Ball has struggled to secure a permanent spot in the NBA but has played in various leagues and for the G League’s Greensboro Swarm.
Lonzo has publicly distanced himself from some of his father’s business ventures, while LaMelo maintains a neutral stance. LaVar continues to support all three sons but remains a polarizing figure in their careers.
Is LaVar Ball Still Relevant Today?
Though his media presence has diminished compared to his peak years, LaVar Ball continues to make occasional headlines. Whether through business endeavors, controversial statements, or his sons’ NBA careers, he remains a topic of discussion in the sports world. His entrepreneurial efforts with Big Baller Brand and his outspoken nature ensure that he stays relevant, even if not at the same level as before.
Conclusion
LaVar Ball is a unique and divisive figure in sports. His net worth of $4 million reflects his business ventures, but his influence extends beyond financial success. As the father of three NBA players, the founder of Big Baller Brand, and an outspoken media personality, LaVar Ball remains a fascinating and controversial character in modern sports culture.
