Lonzo Ball is back in competitive action after years of battling knee injuries that required a procedure to replace cartilage in one of his knees. Despite the procedure being deemed unlikely to allow him to return to his previous level, Ball is ready to speak honestly about the factors that may have contributed to his struggles with injuries.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Lonzo Ball discussed his injury history and the possible role that the “Big Baller Brand” shoes, created by his father, LaVar Ball, could have played in his injuries. Ball revealed that he was originally an Adidas athlete before entering the NBA but switched to wearing his father’s brand when no major endorsement deals came his way.
“I was an Adidas kid since high school, and I thought I would continue like that,” Ball shared. “But I don’t think what they told me was what actually happened. They told me that no one wanted to sign me, so my father said, ‘Bring my own brand,’ and I accepted.”
Ball didn’t shy away from suggesting that the Big Baller Brand shoes might have contributed to the injuries that plagued him throughout his NBA career. He candidly acknowledged the possibility, stating, “They were like football boots. It’s possible that those were to blame for the injuries, to be honest. I wasn’t getting injured before I started wearing them.”
While it’s unclear whether the shoes were the direct cause of his injuries, Ball has pointed to them as a potential factor that contributed to his struggles. His honest assessment highlights the toll that the transition to wearing his father’s shoes may have had on his body, adding another layer to the complexity of his injury issues.
This season, Lonzo Ball has made a limited return to action with the Chicago Bulls, appearing in 7 games. He has averaged 5.1 points, 3.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and a 9.6 EFF in just over 16 minutes of play per game. While he has shown flashes of the talent that made him a high-profile draft pick, Ball’s injuries remain a significant challenge to his career trajectory.
Injuries have undoubtedly impacted Lonzo Ball’s career, but his frank admission about the possible role of the Big Baller Brand shoes adds a new dimension to the conversation about his struggles. As Ball continues to fight his way back to full health, his openness about the factors that may have contributed to his injuries gives fans and analysts new insight into the challenges he’s faced.
