5 Shocking New Updates On LaVar Ball: The Ball Brothers' Dad's Health Scare, Business Status, And Latest Controversies

The Ball Brothers' dad, LaVar Ball, remains one of the most polarizing and fascinating figures in sports, but as of late 2025, his story has taken a dramatic turn that extends far beyond basketball. While his sons Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo continue their professional careers, the family patriarch has faced a significant and life-altering health challenge while still managing to make headlines with his signature bold statements and business endeavors.

This article dives into the most recent and critical updates surrounding LaVar Ball, moving past the old narratives of his UCLA and Chino Hills high school days to focus on the current status of his health, his controversial Big Baller Brand (BBB), and his latest media appearances, providing the freshest perspective on the man who famously declared his sons would be better than Michael Jordan.

The Complete Biography of LaVar Christopher Ball

LaVar Ball’s life story is one of a relentless, self-made sports entrepreneur whose own athletic career provided the foundation for his sons’ unprecedented rise to the NBA. His journey from an aspiring athlete to a global media personality is detailed below.

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• Full Name: LaVar Christopher Ball
• Date of Birth: October 23, 1967
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Wife: Tina Ball (former college basketball player at Cal State Los Angeles)
• Sons: Lonzo Ball (NBA, Chicago Bulls), LiAngelo Ball (G League/Professional), LaMelo Ball (NBA, Charlotte Hornets)
• College Basketball Career: Played at West Los Angeles College (setting a single-season rebounding record) and Washington State University (Forward).
• Professional Football Career: Briefly played as a tight end for the London Monarchs in the World League of American Football (WLAF). He also had practice squad stints with the NFL's New York Jets and Carolina Panthers but never played in a regular-season game.
• Business Ventures: Co-founder and CEO of Big Baller Brand (BBB) and founder of the now-defunct Junior Basketball Association (JBA).
• Media Career: Starred in the Facebook Watch reality show Ball in the Family.

1. LaVar Ball’s Major, Life-Altering Health Scare (2025 Update)

The most significant and recent development in LaVar Ball’s life is his serious health battle, which has brought a rare moment of vulnerability to the usually bombastic personality. In a shocking revelation confirmed in early 2025, it was reported that LaVar underwent a partial leg/foot amputation.

This massive operation was necessitated by severe complications from diabetes, a condition the public was largely unaware he was managing.

In his first interviews following the procedure, LaVar addressed the scare with characteristic defiance, stating, "I'm hard to kill" and even joking that he could "grow it back" if he wanted to. The incident has put a spotlight on the importance of health awareness, even for seemingly larger-than-life figures, and has been a central topic of discussion in the Ball family's life over the past year.

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2. The Current Status of Big Baller Brand (BBB)

The Big Baller Brand, launched in 2016, has been a rollercoaster of controversy, high-priced sneakers, and legal battles. For a time, reports circulated that the brand had been shut down, especially after Lonzo Ball covered up his BBB tattoo.

However, the brand is not only active but appears to be in a state of re-branding and persistence, driven by LaVar’s unwavering belief in Black ownership and controlling his family's narrative. BBB continues to sell apparel and is listed as an American company that designs, manufactures, and sells clothing and shoes.

LaVar’s continued commitment to the brand, despite past financial and logistical setbacks, demonstrates his core philosophy: building a legacy outside of traditional corporate structures. The brand's survival, even in a scaled-back form, is a testament to his sheer will and entrepreneurial spirit, ensuring that the BBB entity remains a part of the family’s business portfolio.

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3. LaVar’s Bold New Statements on the NBA and Lonzo’s Future

Even while recovering from his health issues, LaVar Ball has not stopped making waves with his outspoken commentary on the NBA and his sons’ careers. His ability to generate media attention remains unmatched.

In a June 2025 interview, LaVar weighed in on trade rumors involving his eldest son, Lonzo Ball, who is currently with the Chicago Bulls. He made his feelings clear about a potential Bulls-Cavs trade, asserting that Lonzo is always prepared for whatever comes next. This commentary reinforces his role as an ever-present, guiding, and vocal force in his sons’ professional lives.

Furthermore, LaVar has continued his long-standing feud with major shoe corporations, publicly calling out a "prominent shoe brand" for supposedly contributing to the injuries sustained by his NBA sons, Lonzo and LaMelo. This controversial claim echoes his original motivation for creating the Big Baller Brand: a deep-seated distrust of the corporate sports machine.

4. The Status of His Three Sons: Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball

The primary reason for LaVar’s fame—the success of his three sons—continues to evolve:

• LaMelo Ball: The youngest son is a star point guard for the Charlotte Hornets and remains the most prominent active player of the three, continuing to display the flashy play style LaVar famously predicted.
• Lonzo Ball: The eldest son, a point guard for the Chicago Bulls, has been plagued by significant knee injuries, which have kept him off the court for extended periods. His recovery and return to form are major storylines in the NBA. LaVar's recent comments about the 'prominent shoe brand' are largely seen as a reference to Lonzo's persistent injury issues.
• LiAngelo Ball: Often referred to as 'Gelo,' LiAngelo continues to pursue his professional career, spending time in the NBA G League and playing professionally overseas. While he has not secured a permanent NBA roster spot, he remains a professional basketball player, fulfilling the family's 'Big Baller' destiny.

The collective success and challenges of the Ball brothers—from the high-flying Hornets star to the injured Bulls guard—keep the family firmly in the public eye, ensuring LaVar's relevance as their most passionate advocate.

5. LaVar’s Enduring Legacy: From Chino Hills to the 'Ball in the Family' Show

LaVar Ball's legacy is not just about basketball; it's about media mastery and family branding. The foundation of his fame was built in Chino Hills, California, where he coached his sons and famously guaranteed their success, leading to an undefeated high school season.

His outspoken nature and bold predictions—such as saying he could beat Michael Jordan one-on-one—turned him into a viral sensation, leading to the creation of the reality TV show Ball in the Family. This show provided an intimate, albeit curated, look into the family’s life, including LaVar’s relationship with his wife, Tina Ball, who is a college basketball alumna herself.

Even with his recent health struggles and the fluctuating status of the Big Baller Brand, LaVar’s influence on the modern sports landscape is undeniable. He pioneered the concept of a father as a sports brand's CEO and chief marketing officer, setting a new, if controversial, precedent for how star athletes manage their careers and family wealth, ensuring the Ball name remains a powerful entity for years to come.