Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to LaVar Ball

Public opinion and media debates around LaVar Ball—discover key moments of controversy.

LaVar Ball is an American businessman and the CEO of Big Baller Brand, a sports apparel company. He's known for founding the now-defunct Junior Basketball Association (JBA) and, most notably, for being the father of professional basketball players Lonzo and LaMelo Ball. His other son, LiAngelo Ball, is a hip hop artist signed to Def Jam. LaVar Ball is known for his outspoken personality and promotional skills, heavily marketing his sons and their brand through various media appearances.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

November 26, 2016: Guarantee of UCLA Winning NCAA Tournament

On November 26, 2016, LaVar Ball guaranteed in a TV interview that UCLA, led by his son Lonzo, would win the 2017 NCAA Division I Tournament.

March 13, 2017: Statement about Defeating Michael Jordan One-on-One

On March 13, 2017, LaVar Ball claimed in an interview that he could beat Michael Jordan one-on-one in his prime, leading to widespread mockery and increased media attention. He appeared on ESPN's First Take to argue his comments.

March 2017: Brand Promotion and NCAA Controversy

In March 2017, LaVar Ball promoted Big Baller Brand on national TV, comparing it to Nike and Adidas. Lonzo's connection to the brand while playing college basketball at UCLA raised concerns about NCAA rule violations. Also in March 2017, Time wrote an article about the Ball's campaign against the NCAA rules.

March 2017: Statements about Lonzo vs. Stephen Curry

In early March 2017, LaVar Ball stated that he viewed Lonzo as a better player than Stephen Curry, who was the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2015 and 2016. The comments were criticized by many, including Don MacLean.

March 25, 2017: Controversial Comments After UCLA's Loss

On March 25, 2017, after UCLA's loss to Kentucky in the Sweet 16, LaVar Ball made controversial comments about his son's white teammates, implying their lack of foot speed hindered the team's championship chances. The remarks were widely criticized as racist.

May 4, 2017: Big Baller Brand Announces ZO2 Shoes

On May 4, 2017, Big Baller Brand announced its first shoes, the ZO2, priced at $495 with shipping expected by November 24. This announcement spurred criticism about the pricing from figures like Shaquille O'Neal and Dick Vitale, but also garnered support from some NFL players. LaVar Ball defended the price on Twitter with the statement, "If you can't afford the ZO2'S, you're NOT a BIG BALLER!"

May 17, 2017: Sexist Remarks on The Herd

On May 17, 2017, LaVar Ball appeared on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, where his remarks towards female host Kristine Leahy were seen as sexist. Ball argued with Leahy, asserting that his brand is not for women and telling her to "Stay in your lane."

July 28, 2017: Criticism for Sexism at Adidas Summer Championships

On July 28, 2017, at the Adidas Summer Championships in Las Vegas, LaVar Ball faced criticism for sexism as the coach of the Big Baller Brand AAU team after demanding the replacement of a female referee who gave him a technical foul. Following the incident, he made comments about the referee needing to 'stay in her lane' and criticized her fitness.

September 1, 2017: Melo Ball 1 (MB1) Signature Shoe Announcement

On September 1, 2017, Big Baller Brand announced the Melo Ball 1 (MB1) signature shoe for LaMelo Ball, priced at $395 and available for pre-order. This sparked controversy regarding LaMelo's NCAA eligibility, but LaVar Ball expressed disregard for NCAA rules.

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October 3, 2017: USA Today Article Calls Ball 'Worst Sports Parent Ever'

On October 3, 2017, Nancy Armour of USA Today published an article labeling LaVar Ball as the 'worst sports parent ever' after Ball removed his son LaMelo from Chino Hills High School to train him personally.

November 7, 2017: LiAngelo Ball's Arrest in China

On November 7, 2017, LaVar Ball's son LiAngelo and his UCLA teammates were arrested in Hangzhou, China for shoplifting sunglasses from a Louis Vuitton store. The charges were dropped on November 7, 2017.

November 2017: Criticism of Luke Walton's Coaching

In November 2017, LaVar Ball criticized Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton for his approach to coaching his son, Lonzo, stating that the coaching was making him appear soft. Later that month, he again criticized Walton after an overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors.

December 12, 2017: Lakers' Front Office Meeting with LaVar Ball

On December 12, 2017, the Los Angeles Lakers' front office met with LaVar Ball, requesting him to tone down his criticisms of head coach Luke Walton.

2017: Polarizing Figure in Sports

In 2017, Forbes labeled LaVar Ball "one of the most polarizing figures in sports today" due to his controversial comments and decisions, garnering both criticism and praise from media outlets.

2017: National Sports Headlines

In 2017, LaVar Ball garnered national sports headlines with bold statements, including claiming his son Lonzo was better than Stephen Curry and that he could defeat Michael Jordan in basketball. These comments brought both praise and criticism, especially regarding his company, Big Baller Brand. He also appeared on national TV, criticized his sons' teams, and had an exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump after his son LiAngelo's shoplifting incident in China.

January 2018: Continued Criticism of Luke Walton While in Lithuania

In January 2018, while in Lithuania, LaVar Ball stated that the Lakers were no longer playing for their coach, Luke Walton, resulting in them having the worst record in the Western Conference at the time.

March 3, 2018: Tweet Questioning Trump's Involvement

On March 3, 2018, following an ESPN report that Trump had no involvement in LiAngelo's release, LaVar Ball wrote on Twitter, "Thank you for what again @realDonaldTrump?" He also suggested gratitude should be directed towards the Chinese president.

June 2018: Claim about Taking on Kobe Bryant One-on-One

In June 2018, LaVar Ball mentioned that he could take on Kobe Bryant one-on-one, mainly due to Bryant's injury that ended his career in 2016.

August 5, 2018: Comments on President Trump and Racism

On August 5, 2018, following President Trump's tweet about LeBron James and his interview with CNN's Don Lemon, LaVar Ball told TMZ reporters that Trump is a racist, which he claimed was public knowledge.

August 2018: Vytautas Claims Problems with the Ball Family

In August 2018, Vytautas issued a statement claiming that LaVar and his sons were the problem throughout early 2018, alleging that they didn't pay money to the Big Baller Brand's tournament winners, withdrew financial support, and took back shooting machines that were presented as gifts.

February 25, 2019: Trump Reaffirms Stance on LiAngelo Situation

On February 25, 2019, President Trump reaffirmed his stance on the LiAngelo situation during discussions about the U.S.A.'s relationship with China, stating that he conversed with Xi Jinping about the college students.

June 20, 2019: Controversial Appearance on ESPN's First Take

On June 20, 2019, LaVar Ball appeared on ESPN's First Take to discuss his son Lonzo's trade to the New Orleans Pelicans. During the show, Ball made a comment to host Molly Qerim that was interpreted as sexually suggestive, leading ESPN to state they had 'no plans moving forward' to have Ball appear on their programs again.