Like him or not, LaVar Ball is in the spotlight. For those who do not know him, he is an American media personality (sort of like the Kardashians, people who are famous only for being famous) and businessman. He is the father of three basketball players: Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo (last year’s second pick in Round 1 of the NBA Draft); younger brother LiAngelo, and youngest LaMelo – who at only 16 years of age, according to USA today, is a horrible 3-point shooter in his father’s JBA (Junior Basketball Association).
Here are 10 things you might not know about LaVar Ball.
#1: LaVar Ball is a – Well, Sorta – Businessman.
Ball is the founder and CEO of a sports company know mostly for its $495 sneakers – Big Baller Brand. He is also the founder of a new basketball league called the Junior Basketball Association (JBA). According to Ball, the JBA as a place young players who need a chance can get one, and he is hawking the league as an alternative to college for kids who don’t want to play basketball for free within NCAA’s rules. Sadly, there are all sorts of players chasing this dream in front of nearly empty arenas – let’s hope it doesn’t turn out to be a nightmare. The league is just over a week old.
#2: LaVar Ball Played Professional Football.
Ball had a short professional career with the London Monarchs of the World League of American Football (WLF). He was a tight end and had one 28-yard kickoff return – or, wait, that is a total of 28 yards for all his kickoff returns. He didn’t catch a ball. He was on the practice squads of the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers in 1995 but never played a down in a regular season NFL game. Honest, that’s more than most people who dream get – but it is far from success.
#3: LaVar is the King of Bad Publicity is Better Than No Publicity.
Seems like Ball just says things to get people started. Always good for a quote, some of his ridiculous comments are that his son Lonzo is better than Stephen Curry. He also bragged that he (not the son but the dad) could defeat Michael Jordan in a one-on-one basketball match. I am sure MJ is gonna jump on that challenge.
#4: LaVar Isn’t Afraid of Going Rogue.
Ball likes to stir the pot. Although without much credentials, he found the spotlight for criticizing his sons’ team – the LA Lakers for how they treated Lonzo. His note: the Lakers are soft and don’t know how to coach his son. His claim? He is the only one who actually knows how to coach Lonzo. I am wondering if Lonzo buys in or wishes his Dad would be a bit quieter.
