Sean Logan, The Arizona Republic
LaVar Ball has largely stepped out of the spotlight that’s since been occupied by his three sons, who are all doing pretty well for themselves. However, the famously boisterous patriarch is back in the news after having his foot amputated due to an undisclosed medical issue.
It’s hard to believe it’s been around eight years since LaVar Ball burst onto the scene while cementing himself as the ultimate Basketball Dad with the help of the many outlandish statements he made while trying to drum up hype for Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo.
Ball was a fairly divisive figure who caught plenty of flak for a master plan involving his quest to see all of his three sons play in the NBA while harnessing them to promote the shoe company he launched in the form of Big Baller Brand. His vision didn’t pan out exactly how he hoped, but it’s hard to imagine he’s disappointed with how the future unfolded.
LaMelo has emerged as a star for the Hornets, Lonzo has bounced back with the Bulls after battling a perplexing knee injury that kept him sidelined for close to three years, and LiAngelo has found himself with a hit on his hands after pivoting to music and dropping the song “Tweaker” under the “GELO” moniker.
Lavar has subsequently become a bit of an afterthought, but he recently popped back into the headlines after TMZ Sports reported he needed to have his right foot amputated due to what has been described as a “serious medical issue” that led to him being hospitalized before going the procedure.
The outlet shared a picture of Ball with a smile on his face while sitting in a wheelchair and sporting a bandage on the limb in question, and it would appear the 57-year-old is staying positive despite the setback.
Here’s to hoping he makes a speedy recovery.