Over the summer, Lonzo Ball and his father, LaVar, had a heated argument over the future of Big Baller Brand and Lonzo’s commitment to the family brand.
Since then, the two have patched things up and LaVar has announced plans to re-launch Big Baller Brand under a slightly new name with or without his oldest son. However, LaVar doesn’t think Lonzo ever actually ever had a problem with him or the brand.
During an interview with SportsNet’s “Tim and Sid,” LaVar said that outside forces caused problems between him and Lonzo:
“The only person that can tear down Big Baller Brand is me. If I stop doing Big Baller Brand, then it’s over, but people on the outside can’t be like ‘Big Baller’s over.’ I can sell it on the street corner where I grew up and they’ll still buy it. I’m always going, the Big Baller Brand is always going to grow. Lonzo understands that, my family understands that — it’s just people in his ear. Because he’s a youngster so they’re going to try and split us up. That comes with business, and that’s okay.”
LaVar could be referring to CAA Sports, who represent Lonzo as well as LiAngelo and LaMelo. Lonzo was previously represented by Harrison Gaines, a longtime family friend of the Balls. Lonzo made a point to get out in front of the report that LaVar was still calling the shots for him after that.
The personal relationship between Lonzo and LaVar may be better, but it’s hard to imagine they’ll ever have a professional relationship again after LaVar mismanaged the Big Baller Brand and its staff.
