In a recent interview with ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Jamal Collier, Lonzo Ball opened up about his struggles with injuries and speculated that his father’s Big Baller Brand sneakers might have played a role in his knee troubles.
The Chicago Bulls guard was thrust into the spotlight not just for his basketball skills but also for his father LaVar Ball’s entrepreneurial venture, the Big Baller Brand. LaVar’s brand launched with much fanfare, and Lonzo was the face of it, wearing the shoes during games.
However, Lonzo admitted that the shoes were far from ideal.
“They were like kickball shoes,” he said, recalling how they felt unwearable.
Despite the initial hype, Lonzo and his manager had to resort to buying different pairs of high-end sneakers from Foot Locker for each game during the summer league.
Lonzo’s injury woes began with a torn meniscus in January 2018, which required arthroscopic surgery. He then faced another meniscus tear in 2022 and eventually underwent a rare meniscus transplant in May 2024. These injuries kept him off the court for nearly three years, making his return to the Chicago Bulls a significant comeback story.
When asked if wearing the Big Baller Brand shoes contributed to his injuries, Lonzo didn’t shy away from the possibility.
“I think it’s a possibility for sure, to be honest with you,” he said.
He noted that he wasn’t experiencing such severe injuries until he started wearing the BBB shoes.
While Lonzo acknowledged the potential role of the shoes, he also pointed out that years of playing basketball on concrete surfaces during his youth might have contributed to his cartilage issues. Despite the setbacks, Lonzo remains optimistic about his future in the NBA and appreciates the journey that has shaped him as a player.
LaVar Ball, ever the outspoken figure, has a different take on the situation. He believes that other factors, such as changes in training regimens and lightweight workouts, are to blame for Lonzo’s injuries. LaVar continues to stand by his brand, despite Lonzo’s reservations.
