Lavar Ball is putting the blame squarely on the footwear.
During a recent interview with CBS Sports, LaVar Ball pointed fingers at the NBA training staff and Puma’s footwear, criticizing them as ‘raggedy,’ for his sons’ recurring injuries.
LaVar discussed the ongoing challenges faced by his sons, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball and Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, due to their injuries.
“The reason they hurt is because they got away from me. And they start doing these rooty-toot workouts. Because if you keep running them hills, you’re going to keep that power and that strength. But you start dealing with these rubber bands and doing this lightweight stuff, of course you’re going to start breaking down… A lot of things have to do with them raggedy shoes that Melo be wearing. Them shoes are not made the right way for him. That’s why he keeps tweaking his ankle every single time.”
Lonzo Ball has been sidelined since January 2022 due to a persistent knee injury. This setback has led to three surgeries on his knee since 2022, causing him to miss the entire 2022-23 season.
Unfortunately, he was also ruled out for the entirety of the 2023-24 season due to ongoing issues with the ailment.
RELATED: LeBron James Receiving the Lavar Ball Treatment Following His Tweet and Delete
Despite being off the court for two seasons, there is optimism surrounding Ball’s potential return.
K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reported last month that there is “growing buzz” indicating Ball may “at least try to attempt to play next season.”
This suggests that Ball and his team are considering a comeback, although it remains to be seen how his recovery progresses and whether he will indeed return to competitive play.
LaMelo Ball, selected third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, has encountered persistent ankle injuries since joining the league.
His most recent absence from the court dates back to January 26 due to an ankle injury, and the Charlotte Hornets made the decision to rule him out for the remainder of the 2023-24 season on March 28.
In 22 games this season, LaMelo Ball has averaged 23.9 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game, and 8.0 assists per game while shooting 43.3 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Despite their current setbacks, LaVar Ball expressed his optimism in the interview, stating his expectation for both Lonzo and LaMelo to make their returns to the court next season.
