LaVar Ball Undergoes Foot Amputation Due to Health Issues

LaVar Ball, widely recognized as the father of NBA players LaMelo and Lonzo Ball, recently had to undergo the amputation of his right foot due to a significant medical condition, as reported by TMZ Sports on Wednesday.

Following the surgery, Ball is reportedly feeling positive and in good spirits, according to the report.

Ball first gained media attention in 2017 when Lonzo, his eldest son, was about to enter the NBA Draft. LaVar famously predicted that Lonzo would be picked by the Los Angeles Lakers, which came true when they selected him with the No. 2 overall pick.

He is also known for his bold statements, such as claiming he could defeat Michael Jordan in a one-on-one basketball game and asserting that Lonzo was the best player on a Lakers roster that included LeBron James.

In 2016, at the age of 57, LaVar established the “Big Baller Brand,” with each of his sons—LaMelo, Lonzo, and LiAngelo—receiving their signature shoe lines. Though the brand’s website was initially closed in 2019, it has since resumed operations.

In 2017, Ball launched the Junior Basketball Association using “Big Baller Brand” funds. Both LiAngelo and LaMelo played in the league.

Currently, LaMelo Ball is averaging a career-high 27.3 points per game playing for the Charlotte Hornets this season. Lonzo Ball made his return to the NBA with the Chicago Bulls after enduring knee injuries that kept him sidelined for three years.

LiAngelo Ball, who has not yet appeared in an NBA game, previously played for the Hornets’ G League team and recently played for Astros de Jalisco in Mexico. Venturing beyond basketball, LiAngelo has found success as a rapper, even performing during this year’s All-Star Weekend.

Both LaMelo (2020) and Lonzo Ball (2017) were selected as top-three NBA Draft picks in their respective years.