LaVar Ball, father of NBA players Lonzo, LaMelo and LiAngelo Ball, transformed the Ball name into a global brand, building a family empire that reaches well outside the world of basketball.
LaVar Ball brought his family into the spotlight, becoming the first individual to guide all three of his sons to the NBA. While his success as a father is undeniable, his outspoken and often polarizing persona has drawn significant media scrutiny. Despite the criticism, however, LaVar’s influence on his sons’ careers and his ability to keep the Ball family name relevant in sports and popular culture remains unwavering.
The foundation of the Ball family’s rise began long before NBA draft night. LaVar Ball, a former college basketball and professional football player, envisioned success for his family early on and set the stage for it through relentless preparation and belief in their potential. Growing up in Chino Hills, California, LaVar’s sons were raised in an environment where sports were not just a pastime but a road to something greater.
This dedication culminated in the brothers’ first major success during the 2015-2016 season at Chino Hills High School, where they led the team to an undefeated 35-0 record and secured a national championship. At the time, Lonzo Ball was 18 years old and in his senior year; LiAngelo Ball was 17 and in his junior year; while LaMelo Ball, just 14, made an impact as a freshman. Together, their dominance on the court drew national attention and marked the beginning of their rise to basketball stardom.
Building on the growing media attention surrounding the family, LaVar Ball leveraged the momentum by launching the reality TV series Ball in the Family in 2017. The show provided an intimate glimpse into the family’s daily lives; it became a platform for LaVar to showcase their personalities and solidify the narrative of the Ball family as more than athletes.
By this point, the Ball family had established a strong enough platform to transform themselves into a brand, and LaVar seized the opportunity by launching Big Baller Brand (BBB). This independent sportswear company was designed to promote the Ball family while offering an alternative to established athletic brands. The brand quickly garnered attention with the release of Lonzo Ball’s signature shoe, the Z02, which debuted the same year BBB was introduced to the market.
LaVar Ball’s dedication to shaping his sons’ futures led each of them down distinct paths in basketball and beyond. In 2017, Lavar made the controversial decision to pull LaMelo out of high school and LiAngelo out of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), choosing to send them to play professionally in Lithuania instead. The move sparked criticism, with many questioning whether it was the right choice, but LaVar believed it was necessary to keep their careers on track and under his control.
Before he played in Lithuania, however, LiAngelo’s journey was further complicated by his arrest for shoplifting during a UCLA team trip to China. The highly publicized incident resulted in his suspension from the team and eventual withdrawal from the university. LiAngelo’s basketball career has encountered setbacks as his time in the NBA has been brief. With appearances in Summer League and preseason games for teams like the Charlotte Hornets, he has yet to secure a permanent spot on an NBA roster. He has continued to pursue opportunities in the G League while also branching out into music, where he currently has a viral hit [tweaker] gaining attention.
LaMelo’s unconventional path ultimately paid off. After Lithuania, he played a standout season in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), where he was named Rookie of the Year. After that, LaMelo was selected third overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft and since then, he’s become the face of the Charlotte Hornets, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year title in 2021.
As for Lonzo, the first ball brother to make it to the NBA, he followed a more traditional route. Drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, he has played for multiple teams, most recently the Chicago Bulls. Although injuries have sidelined him in recent seasons, Lonzo has made his return to the NBA in 2024 and is back on the court with the Chicago Bulls.
The Ball family has cemented their name through the brand and legacy they’ve built, ensuring they will not be forgotten. Each of LaVar’s children has found success in their own way, showcasing the impact of his guidance. While LaVar often draws negative attention, there is no denying the role he played in elevating his family to the prominence they possess today.