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LaVar Ball – the outspoken patriarch behind basketball’s famous Ball brothers Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball – has shocked fans as they’ve learned some intense news about his health.
TMZ posted on Wednesday, February 19 that LaVar recently underwent a foot amputation due to a serious, yet undisclosed, health issue. Despite the gravity of the situation, sources told the outlet that the 57-year-old is in high spirits and recovering well after the procedure to remove his right foot.
Known for his bold commentary about his sons’ futures, LaVar has seen them go on to achieve major success, with Lonzo, 27, and LaMelo, 23, becoming NBA stars – playing for the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets, respectively – while LiAngelo, 26, is making waves in the music world and just signed a deal with Def Jam Records and Universal Music Group, according to the Daily Mail.
LaVar Ball looks on during the game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Brooklyn Nets at Spectrum Center on March 08, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,… LaVar Ball looks on during the game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Brooklyn Nets at Spectrum Center on March 08, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
As of now, the Ball brothers have not publicly addressed their father’s health issues, but fans are sending well wishes as LaVar recovers from this major setback.
“Tough news for LaVar Ball. Wishing him strength and a smooth recovery,” one fan on X (formerly Twitter) posted.
A second stated, “Damn! Guy created three successful children which in this modern world is no easy job as a father! Hope he recovers well!”
“Say what you want about his delivery and tactics at times, but man supported his boys to no end. I respect it,” a third fan replied, seemingly referring to the controversial comments LaVar has made in the past.
Lonzo Ball, LaMelo Ball, LiAngelo Ball and LaVar Ball attend Melo Ball’s 16th Birthday on September 2, 2017 in Chino, California. Lonzo Ball, LaMelo Ball, LiAngelo Ball and LaVar Ball attend Melo Ball’s 16th Birthday on September 2, 2017 in Chino, California. Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images for Crosswalk Productions
As the mastermind behind the Big Baller Brand, LaVar famously predicted that all three of his sons would one day play for the Los Angeles Lakers — a prophecy that hasn’t come to pass. While Lonzo was drafted by the Lakers, he now plays for the Bulls. In 2019, LaVar made headlines when he told ESPN that trading Lonzo was “the worst move the Lakers ever did in their life,” adding, “they’ll never win another championship, guarantee it.”
LaVar has also been vocal about his role in his sons’ training, criticizing the NBA professionals who worked with them. In an April 2024 interview with CBS Sports, he attributed his sons’ injuries to their shift away from his intense training methods. He also took aim at LaMelo’s shoes, saying, “A lot of things have to do with them raggedy shoes that Melo be wearing.”
