Did Lavar Ball Play in the NBA?

By Edcel Panganiban March 22, 2024 01:37

LaVar Christopher Ball is a former Football player and basketball personality who became famous as the father of three promising Basketball stars – Lonzo, LiAngelo and Lamelo Ball.

LaVar Ball was born October 23, 1967. Despite never playing in the NBA or having any professional front-office experience, outraged LaVar Ball's influence also reaches into all corners of basketball life from his sons to business enterprises.

Early Athletic Career

In his sphere of athletics, LaVar Ball first entered at Canoga Park High School where he used to play both basketball and football.

He later played college basketball at West Los Angeles College, Washington State University and California State University, Los Angeles.

In addition, he spent time with the World League of American Football London Monarchs as a tight end and was on the practice squads of both New York Jets and Caroilna Panthers in 1995.

The Big Baller Brand

Before his basketball career, LaVar Ball co-founded the sports apparel company Big Baller Brand-- a brand that pushed boundaries in how it sells its product as well with athletes.

Consequently, his time with the brand has had a huge bearing on overall ledger and he is considered among sports greatest stars.

NBA Father

All three of LaVar Ball's sons have had some success on the professional basketball circuit.

Lonzo Ball (Chicago Bulls): PG LiAngelo Ball: Shooting Guard/Small Forward in 2021 NBA Summer League LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Bobcats)

LaVar, who is as hands-on in coaching and managing his sons' careers a topic of public interest often enough in itself.

Playing career with Vytautas Prienai–Birštonas

LaVar Ball's next stop in his journey was with the Lithuanian team Vytautas Prienai–Birštonas which was highly significant for his career.

He had business dealings with the team and Big Baller Brand after his sons LaMelo and LiAngelo joined the squad.

That role included financial backing and the conception of a five-game exhibition series for his sons, dubbed the Big Baller Brand Challenge Games.

Junior Basketball Association (JBA)

His big dreams have since resulted in the creating of his own Junior Basketball Association (JBA) — a league he started up with funds from Big Baller Brand.

Founded as an alternative to college basketball, the league offers opportunities for high school prospects who do not wish to go into collegiate athletics.

The JBA would have eight teams in major NBA venues throughout the US.

Flaming and building media hype around the controversy

LaVar Ball, as we all know by now is outspoken with grandiose predictions and it has made a love him or hate figure in the sports world.

Its been augmenting the news with it bold and lip filling statements, comparing to some NBA greats his kids will be or how good of a player he was?

Down his time spent in the media and public appearances has ignited praise alongside criticism which established him as a profound figure of basketball.

LaVar Ball never played in the NBA, but he left a mark on the basketball world.

From his participation in the futures of both their boys, to numerous & at times ill-advised dalliances into entrepreneurship and off-court controversy, LaVar Ball has certainly made a name for himself within basketball circles.

The originality which he brought to the sport along with this self-belief made waves and cemented his place as an icon steering modern basketball culture.