LaVar Ball: How Would You Handle Being His Kid?

The sports world has not been the same since LaVar Ball first emerged late last November. What started off as an overly confident father of a UCLA basketball player many had never heard of, turned into a media firestorm. No one, and I mean no one, expected the insanity that would follow.
Since the first outlandish comments started flying from Ball’s mouth, there has been a question many have started to ask “How would you handle being LaVar Ball’s kid?” This very question has become a major talking point for many parents and media figures in and outside of the sports world. Most people have stated that they would’ve spoken up or ran away from home by now if their parents were acting like Ball. However, some, actually support LaVar and have caused a fascinating and important debate. Let’s dive into this a little deeper.
“I’ll tell you right now, he’s better than Steph Curry to me.” -LaVar Ball back in February 2017
Being a top player, or even a consistent contributor on a team is never a bad thing. When you start saying your unproven son is better than a two-time NBA MVP, that is where things start getting absurd.
Parents, please, support and have incredible faith in your child’s abilities. Often times parents are the first and only benchmark a lot of kids base their skills off of. If Mom and Dad don’t think their child is good at something, how is the kid suppose to find the motivation to keep playing a sport when his main support system is not there for him? LaVar is a proud parent and recognizes Lonzo’s talent. There is NOTHING wrong with that. When you start heaping unwanted pressure on your kid, that is where many start running to Lonzo’s defense.
“All three of my boys are going to be one-and-done.” — LaVar Ball back in December 2016
LaVar Ball going as far to say his kids will only play one year of college basketball at UCLA then shoot for the NBA Draft is ridiculous. Obviously, playing professionally is the end goal for Lonzo and his brothers; however, some of the greatest NBA players found more success staying in college longer than one season. What if one or more of LaVar’s sons decided another year or all four years of college was best for their career? Would Ball really tell his kids no and force them to declare for the Draft? Recent events trend towards that being the case.
Lonzo is a talented player and makes those around him better. Think of how much more of an asset he would be for an NBA team with two or three years of high-level college basketball experience. UCLA is a terrific basketball school, giving Lonzo plenty of opportunities to hone his craft. Now, however, he must grow up even faster playing for the LA Lakers. Making his risk vs. reward that much higher for the Lakers.
What if Lonzo blows out his knee or sustains an unfortunate injury during Summer League play? He is 19-years-old and has barely one year of college under his belt. Does LaVar expect him to help run Big Baller Brand as an Assistant Brand Manager or will he push Lonzo to make a come back even if his doctors advise against it? It is these types of parents that have begun to ruin sports for successful athletes.
“Even if you don’t want to hear me, you are going to hear me” — LaVar Ball
To speak up, or not speak up: that is the billion dollar question people are asking themselves. At what point do Lonzo, LeMelo, and LiAngelo finally snap and tell LaVar to knock it off with the crazy comments? The fact of the matter is that Ball actually believes he is helping his kids the more he talks. Each time he opens his mouth social media blows up with new memes and ridicule for Ball.
Based off a casual scroll on social media, telling LaVar Ball to shut his trap, seems to be the group consensus. Yet, there is a small pocket of people who love Ball and welcome his opinions as they believe it is changing the sports world for the better.
So, what now for the Ball boys?
This debate of how you’d handle being the child of LaVar Ball is tough for many. Some people have never experienced the overwhelming support his sons have from their own parents. Where is the line though?
At what point would you finally speak up and tell LaVar to quiet down? Or, would you keep your mouth shut and trust your dad as the insanity continues to unfold before you? The right answer varies from person to person: However, only time will tell what will become of LaVar and his Big Baller sons.
