LaVar Ball, father of NBA players LaMelo and Lonzo Ball, has had a serious surgery done—his right foot was amputated as a result of a life-threatening medical condition. TMZ Sports broke the news, revealing that Ball had the operation on the same day and is in good spirits.
Ball, 57, is an established figure on the basketball court. Though details of his actual medical condition to warrant an amputation are unclear, the gravity of the matter is obvious to the extent of requiring immediate attention from doctors. He was a loud and brash person even before, but according to friends close to his family, sources indicate he never lost his confidence.
Medical conditions can strike anyone, including popular personalities such as LaVar Ball, who has made a name for himself not only as the father of prominent basketball stars but also for other reasons. His boisterous personality has always placed him under the spotlight, so his medical update becomes newsworthy among sports enthusiasts around the globe.
LaVar Ball’s Influence on Basketball and His Sons’ Careers
Aside from being a father, LaVar Ball has been very influential in the careers of his three sons—LaMelo, Lonzo, and LiAngelo Ball. His loud mouth and daring predictions were making headlines, particularly when he infamously predicted that Lonzo Ball would be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. The prediction was fulfilled in 2017 when the Lakers drafted Lonzo as the No. 2 overall pick.
The youngest of the trio, LaMelo Ball, has become an up-and-coming star of the NBA. Playing for the Charlotte Hornets, he is posting a career-best 27.3 points per game and helped his team to a recent win over the Los Angeles Lakers. His talent, coupled with early tutelage by his father, has cemented his status as one of the most dynamic up-and-coming players in the league.
Lonzo Ball, who had to contend with a three-year hiatus because of knee injuries, recently joined the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. His life has been dotted with injuries and setbacks, but his determination has ensured that he remains in the sport.
LiAngelo Ball, the middle child, has yet to play in the NBA. Nevertheless, he has ventured into basketball professionally overseas, where he has played for clubs such as Mexico’s Astros de Jalisco. He has also made a foray into music and even performed during this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend.
LaVar Ball’s Business Ventures and Lasting Legacy
LaVar Ball is not only famous for his flamboyant nature—he’s also a businessman. In 2016, he launched Big Baller Brand (BBB), a sports brand that made headlines for creating signature shoes for all three of his sons. Although the brand experienced adversity, such as a brief shut-down in 2019, it is still a significant part of Ball’s legacy.
In 2017, he initiated the Junior Basketball Association (JBA) as a pathway for young stars who wished to skip college hoops and turn professional at an earlier age. Both LaMelo and Lingala played for the league, which sought to offer a different route for upcoming players.
Even though the JBA was not long-lived, it demonstrated that Ball was not afraid to be a disruptor in the basketball world.
Regardless of controversy and brash statements—like claiming he could beat Michael Jordan in a one-on-one game—LaVar Ball has left an undeniable imprint on the basketball universe. Whether through his sons’ playing careers, his own business career, or his cultural impact on basketball, he is a household name.
His recent health issues are a reminder that life has a way of taking us down paths we don’t see coming, but his optimism and strength still define his path. Fans will be observing to find out how he recovers and what lies ahead for the Ball family.
