"I'm the big brother; I gotta tell the truth" - Lonzo Ball tells LiAngelo to play overseas
LaVar Ball is not exactly a likable personality. However, being a bad father is not one of his traits, even if he can sometimes be overbearing. Still, the fact that two of his sons, Lonzo Ball and LaMelo Ball, are household names in the NBA proves he did something right.
The middle child, LiAngelo Ball, nearly made it to the Association himself but went undrafted in 2018 and never got a call-up while playing for the Charlotte Hornets' G League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm. Gelo still has dreams of making it to the NBA, although he might have to head overseas first before trying his luck again in the G League. However, he pondered taking a shortcut before Zo gave him a reality check.
"I feel like the opportunity is not gonna be the same in the G League for him just because of his process and how long it has been," the Chicago Bulls guard said. "Just being realistic. I'm the big brother; I gotta tell the truth. I think his path is overseas."
Too old for the G League?
At 26 years old, LiAngelo might have to heed his brother's advice because most players who have successfully made it to the NBA through the developmental league are either promising youngsters or established veterans. Evidently, the middle Ball child is neither. As Lonzo put it, he already got his shot.
You have to hand it to Gelo, though, as he believes that if someone takes a chance on him in the G League, he can still capitalize on it after failed attempts in the past. The 6'6'' shooting guard likely got the confidence from LaVar.
However, it's time for LiAngelo to explore overseas opportunities again. The good news is that it won't be his first time playing outside the U.S.
After his involvement in a shoplifting incident in late 2017 that stopped short his stint with the University of California, Los Angeles, the swingman prepared for the 2018 NBA Draft by joining the Lithuanian league. Over four years later, Gelo headed to Mexico. But after two unremarkable contests, Liangelo experienced an ankle injury and went home to rehabilitate. Since then, he has yet to be signed by a professional team again.
The Ball bros as teammates?
It's intriguing to know if LaVar agrees with his eldest son. The Ball patriarch has been vocal about his dreams of seeing the trio play for the same franchise. He used to push the Los Angeles Lakers to bring them all in, promising that a championship would be the endgame for the Purple and Gold.
However, how things turned out between Lonzo and the Lakers caused LaVar to change his mind and recently nominate the Los Angeles Clippers as the unwitting destination.
Another organization might have to be wary now because the 57-year-old businessman has recently made his presence known in Charlotte, hinting at a big announcement involving his company, Big Baller Brand.
It remains to be seen whether people see the Ball brothers play together. That would undoubtedly make LaVar and LiAngelo happy campers.
