Ice Cube has proposed an unusual audition for Lonzo Ball: win a 3-on-3 basketball game against BIG3 All-Stars, and he could earn a role in the upcoming "Last Friday" movie. The offer came after Lonzo Ball responded to a challenge from Ice Cube by expressing interest in a movie role.
"Some Last Friday roles lol," Lonzo wrote on X. "That’s what I want." Ice Cube replied, "No problem. You win, you in," transforming the BIG3 challenge into a potential crossover event linking professional basketball with Hollywood.
Sean Bannon, president of the BIG3, confirmed the legitimacy of the offer, stating that Ice Cube "is a man of his word." Bannon added that the script for "Last Friday" is complete and currently undergoing the studio process, according to remarks Ice Cube made on Draymond Green's podcast.
The challenge originated after LaVar Ball commented on his son LaMelo's move to the Minnesota Timberwolves, suggesting the team would need all his sons to win a championship. Ice Cube then extended the challenge to the Ball brothers to face top BIG3 players.
"We challenged the Ball brothers, 3-on-3 BIG3 style, against our All-Stars," Ice Cube stated in a video posted to X. "Let’s see what’s up, man. I’ll see you in Charlotte if you want some of this." The BIG3 All-Star team could feature former NBA talent, including Michael Beasley, Dwight Howard, Lance Stephenson, and Montrezl Harrell. The potential matchup would pit these seasoned players against the Ball brothers, possibly coached by their father, LaVar Ball.
It remains unclear if LiAngelo Ball, who has focused more on music after playing in the G League, would participate. The Ball brothers, LaMelo, Lonzo, and LiAngelo, gained national recognition as a high school basketball team at Chino Hills High School, achieving an undefeated season and a state championship.
The BIG3 league, which emphasizes a half-court, three-on-three format, requires intense defensive effort, as Bannon noted, "In the half-court game, you really can’t take any plays off."
Before the championship game in Charlotte on August 22, the BIG3 will hold games in Los Angeles at USC's Galen Center on July 12. Further developments regarding the potential matchup and the movie role offer are anticipated.