LaVar Ball Opens Up About Diabetes Complications and Amputation
LaVar Ball, the charismatic and often controversial CEO of Big Baller Brand and the patriarch of the basketball-playing Ball brothers – Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo – has recently broken his silence regarding a serious medical ordeal that culminated in the amputation of his right foot. In a candid interview with Slam magazine, Ball revealed the harrowing details of his hospitalization, spanning over a month, due to life-threatening complications arising from diabetes. The condition ultimately led to the amputation and several blood transfusions.
Ball, known for his larger-than-life personality and unwavering confidence, explained that his health crisis coincided with the unexpected viral success of his son LiAngelo Ball’s song, "Tweaker," in January. This juxtaposition of personal adversity and family achievement served as a stark reminder of life’s unpredictable nature. "Funny how life works sometimes," Ball reflected.
He detailed the progression of the infection that ravaged his foot, stemming from a lack of attention to his diabetes management. "I had an infection on my foot that started spreading through my blood due to not paying attention to my diabetes," Ball, aged 57, stated in his first interview since the surgery. The initial attempts to contain the infection involved the amputation of several toes, followed by the entire foot. However, the infection continued to spread, necessitating further surgical intervention. "First, they cut off a couple of toes. Then they cut off my foot. Then they said, ‘We gotta go almost knee high for another surgery.’" Ball recounted. He underwent three surgeries in total, along with four separate blood transfusions to combat the escalating health crisis.
News of Ball’s amputation first surfaced when TMZ published an image of him in a wheelchair with a bandage covering his right leg. He later confirmed the procedure himself in a TikTok video posted on the @primbyontwitchs account, maintaining his signature humor and defiance. "Everyone heard what happened. And yall can take my foot, but you know what you cant take? That Primby account," Ball quipped in the video.
Despite his outward display of resilience, Ball admitted that the medical ordeal took a significant toll on his mental health, causing him to question whether the struggle was worth enduring. "I’m the Big Baller. I’m hard to kill," Ball proclaimed, underscoring his well-known persona. "But I must admit that my boys kept me rolling. Cause a couple of times, I was like, ‘I can’t do no more blood transfusions. I can’t do no more operations. I’m just ready to shut it down. It’s enough for me.’" He confessed to feeling overwhelmed by the relentless medical procedures and contemplating giving up.
However, Ball found the strength to persevere, crediting his three sons – Lonzo Ball, the Chicago Bulls guard; LiAngelo Ball, the rapper; and LaMelo Ball, the Charlotte Hornets guard – for providing the unwavering motivation he needed to "keep going" and seek out a positive perspective. He emphasized that his purpose extended beyond his personal struggles.
"My foot is gone, but my brain is still here," Ball asserted. Acknowledging the physical limitations imposed by the amputation, he remained determined to move forward and continue pursuing his goals. "I might not be able to move as fast as I did and do other things like that, but what’s the next step? Do I keep talking about the brand? Still keep talking about shoes? Still go out to meet people? It makes me feel way better in looking at the outcome to go forward because I still want to be on this journey."
The Ball brothers and their outspoken father initially captured public attention in 2016 when Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo led Chino Hills High School to an undefeated 35-0 record, a state championship, and the coveted No. 1 overall ranking in the nation. Capitalizing on the family’s newfound fame, Ball co-founded Big Baller Brand, a sports apparel company, in the same year.
He expressed immense pride in his sons’ accomplishments, which served as a constant source of inspiration during his recovery. "Seeing what my boys are doing out there, they’re like, ‘Dad you’re the toughest dude I know.’ That made me keep going," Ball revealed. "As long as I can smile and see my boys, I’m good. But this whole experience made me realize, (you’re) lucky that you have family to get you through some stuff. But don’t feel sorry for me."
LaVar Ball’s medical struggles are not the only instance of adversity within the family. Lonzo Ball, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft, faced a prolonged absence from the court due to a recurring left knee injury that necessitated three surgeries. He recently returned to the Chicago Bulls lineup in October after being sidelined since January 14, 2022.
Tina Ball, the mother of the Ball brothers, also experienced a stroke in February 2017. In response to these challenges, LaVar Ball adopted a pragmatic approach, stating, "I just deal with it. Whatever it is. Things are gonna happen in life. Either you are gonna help do something about it or you just gonna let it happen and destroy you."
Through his openness and resilience, LaVar Ball offers a powerful message about facing adversity head-on, finding strength in family, and maintaining a positive outlook despite life’s inevitable challenges. He continues to be a prominent figure, not only for his business ventures and his sons’ athletic achievements, but also for his unwavering spirit in the face of personal hardship. His determination to remain engaged and continue his journey, despite the amputation, showcases his enduring character and unwavering commitment to his family and brand.
