LaVar Ball’s Foot Amputation: NBA’s Most Outspoken Dad Faces New Challenge

LaVar Ball, the charismatic businessman and father of NBA stars Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball, is once again in the headlines—but this time, it’s not for his bold statements or ambitious claims. The 57-year-old recently underwent surgery that led to the amputation of his right foot.

A photo of LaVar in a wheelchair with his leg bandaged quickly went viral, sparking an outpouring of support from basketball fans and the wider sports community. The news was first reported by TMZ Sports, and while the exact medical condition leading to the procedure remains unclear, sources close to the family confirm that LaVar is in “great spirits.”

What Happened to LaVar Ball’s Leg?

Although TMZ was the first to break the news, there has been no official confirmation from the Ball family regarding the cause of the amputation. Some fans speculated that it could be linked to diabetes, but there is no publicly available medical information to confirm this.

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Regardless of the underlying reason, LaVar is facing this new challenge with the same larger-than-life energy he’s always brought to the sports world.

Fans Rally Around LaVar Ball

Seeing LaVar Ball in a wheelchair was a heartbreaking sight for many who have followed his journey from a boisterous sports dad to a major basketball entrepreneur. Fans flooded social media with messages of support:

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• “Sending prayers to LaVar Ball. He had his right foot amputated after a ‘serious medical issue’ this week.”
• “That diabetes a mfer. Prayers for the big baller LaVar Ball.”
• “I just thought about LaVar Ball selling BBB prosthetic legs. I’ll try to be a good person tomorrow.”
• “Sending love to the OG LaVar Ball 🙏🏿”

Even in a tough moment, fans couldn’t help but inject a bit of humor—something that LaVar himself might appreciate given his history of marketing genius and media-savvy ways.

LaVar Ball’s Influence on Basketball

Love him or hate him, LaVar Ball has undeniably left his mark on the basketball world. The founder of Big Baller Brand (BBB) and the now-defunct Junior Basketball Association (JBA), he has always been a larger-than-life figure in the sport. His outspoken nature made him a controversial but fascinating personality, as he relentlessly championed his sons’ careers.

His eldest son, Lonzo Ball (27 as of 2025), plays for the Chicago Bulls, though he has faced injury struggles. His middle son, LiAngelo Ball (26), has had stints in professional basketball but hasn’t secured a long-term NBA contract. His youngest and arguably most successful son, LaMelo Ball (23), is the face of the Charlotte Hornets, having already won NBA Rookie of the Year and earning multiple All-Star appearances.

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Despite skepticism over LaVar’s claims—such as his infamous declaration that Lonzo was better than Steph Curry—his sons have achieved notable success in basketball. And for that, credit must be given to his relentless belief in them.

LaVar Ball’s Net Worth and Business Ventures

LaVar Ball has built a brand around his bold persona, and as of 2025, his estimated net worth is $4 million. While Big Baller Brand (BBB) has seen ups and downs, he continues to market and push the brand with the same confidence that made him famous.

Despite setbacks with JBA, a league he created to provide an alternative to college basketball, his vision of empowering young players remains commendable. Whether it’s through his sons’ success or his entrepreneurial ventures, LaVar Ball has never been one to back down from a challenge.