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LaVar Ball has foot amputated amid 'serious medical issue'

Brian Jones Profile Picby:Brian Jones•02/19/25•

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LaVar Ball
Sean Logan, The Arizona Republic via Imagn Content Services, LLC

LaVar Ball had his foot amputated after suffering a “serious medical issue,” according to TMZ Sports. The father of basketball stars Lonzo Ball, LiAngelo Ball and LaMelo Ball underwent a procedure to have his right foot removed. It’s not known what the medical issue LaVall Ball suffered, but TMZ Sports said he’s in “great spirits and doing well.”

LaVar Ball is known for having a plan to get his sons into the NBA. He created the Big Baller Brand, which developed shows for Lonzo, LiAngelo and LaMelo. LaVar has been outspoken in past years but has also received praise as Lonzo and LaMelo are in the NBA, and LiAngelo has launched a music career along with playing in the G League and overseas.

Before Lonzo was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers at No. 2 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, LaVar talked about getting his son to L.A. “I told him he was going to go to the Lakers,” LaVar Ball said in an interview at the time, per Fox Sports. “I’m going to speak it into existence. Boston going to take Markelle Fultz, he’s a good player. I think he fits best with Boston. You can’t bring him to L.A., he ain’t ready for this.” 

More on LaVar Ball and his family

LaVar added, “I know I must be a genius to plan it this well. His number has always been No. 2 and guess where he’s going? No. 2. To the Lakers, baby.”

Lonzo played for the Lakers for two seasons before he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. He spent two seasons in New Orleans before being traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2021. Before the start of the 2022-23 season, Lonzo underwent knee surgery. The issues with his knee led to him missing the next two seasons. Lonzo returned to action in January and signed a two-year, $20 million contract extension earlier this month.

LaMelo was selected at No. 3 overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 draft. He was named Rookie of the Year in 2021 and selected to the All-Star team in 2022. This season, LaMelo is averaging 27.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists per game.

LaVar played college basketball at West Los Angeles College, Washington State and Cal State Los Angeles. He then spent time in the NFL as he was on the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers practice squads in 1995.