Story perspectives

Lonzo Ball Blames LaVar for Draft Pick and Injuries

8/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lonzo Ball says LaVar Ball nearly forced the Lakers to select him second overall in the 2017 draft.
Now a free agent after stints with the Lakers, Pelicans, Bulls and Cavaliers, Ball regrets his father's control.
He was forced to wear unready Big Baller Brand shoes that often fell apart.
Ball believes those shoes contributed to knee injuries that hampered his play.

History

Historical Context

In 1984, Michael Jordan signed a groundbreaking endorsement deal with Nike, launching the Air Jordan brand that reshaped athlete merchandising and cultural phenomenon. The $5 million contract generated $2.5 billion in sales by 2020, dwarfing typical rookie endorsement values and set a benchmark for future star athletes. Similarly, LaVar Ball pressured his son Lonzo to debut Big Baller Brand shoes, claiming they would rival Jordan’s legacy despite untested durability and media hype. The precedent shows that early athlete-driven shoe ventures can backfire, prompting leagues and players to scrutinize product safety, contract terms, and influence future endorsement negotiations.

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Story summary

Lonzo Ball says LaVar Ball nearly forced the Lakers to select him second overall in the 2017 draft.
Now a free agent after stints with the Lakers, Pelicans, Bulls and Cavaliers, Ball regrets his father's control.
He was forced to wear unready Big Baller Brand shoes that often fell apart.
Ball believes those shoes contributed to knee injuries that hampered his play.

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