Lonzo Ball isn’t holding back when it comes to his brother LiAngelo’s basketball future. The Ball brothers recently appeared as guests on Angel Reese’s podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” where the topic of LiAngelo’s playing career came up. Lonzo, known for being direct, didn’t sugar-coat his advice for his younger brother, giving him a blunt assessment of his prospects in professional basketball.
As LiAngelo spoke about his hopes of joining another G League team and using that as a potential stepping stone to the NBA, Lonzo weighed in with his honest perspective. The elder Ball brother explained that he felt the G League was no longer a viable option for LiAngelo, given the time that had passed and the opportunities that had already come and gone.
“I feel like the opportunity is not gonna be the same in the G League for him,” Lonzo said during the podcast. “Just because of his process and how long it’s been. Just being realistic. I’m his big brother, I gotta tell him the truth, you know what I’m saying? I think his path is overseas. He should have been overseas killing it.”
Lonzo’s candid assessment was that the G League would likely be a dead end for LiAngelo at this point, given the competitiveness of the league and how hard it is to break into an NBA roster.
Instead, Lonzo believes that playing overseas could provide LiAngelo with a chance to shine, dominate at a high level, and perhaps still build a rewarding career in basketball—even if it isn’t in the NBA.
RELATED: NBA Legend Scottie Pippen Surprises Fans with Unexpected Career Move
LiAngelo, however, wasn’t ready to give up on his NBA dream just yet. He countered his brother’s advice by expressing his belief that if given a proper chance in the G League, he could prove himself worthy of an NBA spot. “I feel like if I got my shot in the G League, I’d prove I belong in the NBA,” LiAngelo said.
Lonzo, staying firm in his stance, replied, “This is the problem I have. I feel like you got your shot in the Summer League with the Hornets. You gotta be real with yourself. Are you gonna sit in the G League on the bench, or are you gonna go overseas to somewhere nice and go get 30?” Lonzo was referring to LiAngelo’s past opportunities, including his time with the Charlotte Hornets during the Summer League, where he wasn’t able to make enough of an impression to earn an NBA contract.
The conversation highlighted the challenges and tough decisions that come with chasing an NBA dream. Lonzo’s advice to his brother, while direct, came from a place of love and concern.
As an older sibling who has experienced both the highs and lows of professional basketball, Lonzo wanted to ensure that LiAngelo understood the realities of the situation and considered a path that could lead to greater success—even if that meant letting go of the NBA dream.
LiAngelo, now 26, has yet to secure a place in the NBA, and the odds are growing increasingly slim. His experience in the G League has been limited, playing 36 games for the Greensboro Swarm during the 2021-22 season and an additional 14 games in the 2022-23 campaign.
Despite flashes of potential, LiAngelo has not managed to break through to an NBA roster, and Lonzo’s tough love was a reflection of the difficult reality his brother faces.
Meanwhile, Lonzo has made his own return to the NBA this year after missing two full seasons due to persistent injuries. In four games with the Chicago Bulls so far, he’s averaging 5.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 15.5 minutes per game.
Though he’s still working his way back to full form, Lonzo has shown glimpses of the skills that made him a sought-after talent when he first entered the league.
The conversation between the Ball brothers on the podcast was a reminder of the harsh realities of professional sports and the difficult decisions that come with it.
While LiAngelo may continue to hold on to his NBA aspirations, Lonzo’s candid advice was a reflection of both the challenges of making it to the top and the importance of being realistic about one’s path.
For now, LiAngelo’s future remains uncertain, but the love and support of his family—even when it’s brutally honest—will undoubtedly guide him in whatever comes next.
