Lonzo Ball, an unsigned free agent, expressed regret over the substantial control his father, Lavar Ball, wielded over his early NBA career, particularly during his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers. Ball, the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, stated that his father's influence was so significant it felt like Lavar Ball dictated his draft selection.
"To be honest… I think he damn near made it to where they had to pick me. Really, to a point, I really do feel like that," Ball said on the "Curious Mike" podcast with Michael Porter Jr. The Lakers chose Ball over Jayson Tatum, who was subsequently drafted by the Boston Celtics. Ball was later a key asset in the trade that sent Anthony Davis to Los Angeles.
During his two seasons with the Lakers, Ball's experience was frequently overshadowed by his father's public actions, including criticism of then-head coach Luke Walton. Ball also described being compelled to wear shoes from his father's Big Baller Brand that were not suitable for competitive play.
"It wasn’t a basketball shoe, bro. It wasn’t ready to be used. So I tried to play in it, but they would rip and pop out like every quarter," Ball recalled. He mentioned that his manager would provide backup shoes, which he would use after his game shoes failed. "I didn’t like the shoes. I addressed it. I didn’t like the shoes. But then we would get into an argument and it would be like, damn, if you don’t wear the shoes, then you going against the family type s–t."
Ball suggested that these footwear issues might have contributed to early knee injuries that have hampered his career. He reflected on his early professional path, stating, "I literally was just hooping and following my pops, listening to my pops…I was just doing what I was told really. I guess that would be my one regret, like taking control of my career earlier."
Ball, the older brother to LiAngelo and LaMelo Ball, viewed his upbringing as both a blessing and a curse due to the intense involvement of his father in his professional life.