‘Serious medical issue’: Basketball world stunned by LaVar Ball’s amputation

LaVar Ball, the outspoken father of NBA stars LaMelo and Lonzo Ball, has been rocked by a “serious medical issue”.

LaVar Ball had his right foot amputated after suffering a “serious medical issue,” TMZ Sports reported on Wednesday.

The Big Baller Brand co-founder, who’s the father of Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, Bulls guard Lonzo Ball and former NBA player LiAngelo Ball, recently underwent a procedure to have his right foot removed and is said to be in great spirits and doing well, according to the report.

Average of 9 LIVE Regular Season games per week plus the best of the NBA Playoffs, including every game of the NBA Conference Finals & NBA Finals LIVE with ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.

There were no further details disclosed as of Wednesday.

Ball, 57, and his sons have yet to publicly address the situation.

The Ball family patriarch has made headlines for being outspoken while championing his sons’ basketball careers.

Lonzo was the second overall pick by the Lakers in the 2017 NBA Draft and LaMelo was the third overall pick by the Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Ball and the Bulls agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract extension in February after he dealt with a knee injury in 2022, including multiple procedures, that kept him out for more than 1,000 days.

LaVar Ball has had his foot amputated. Photo: Instagram and Daily Telegraph

LaMelo won the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2021 and he was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team that year.

He made his first NBA All-Star game in 2022.

LaMelo, who’s averaging 27.3 points this season, has been dealing with an ankle injury.

LiAngelo last played for Mexican club Astros de Jalisco and has since launched a rap career.

He performed his latest song, “Tweaker” at NBA All-Star weekend in San Francisco last weekend.

Their dad had taken a step back from the spotlight in recent years, but has still continued to publicly celebrate his sons.

Ball played basketball at Cal State-Los Angeles and he spent time on the New York Jets’ and the Carolina Panthers’ practice squads.

This story first appeared in the New York Post and was republished with permission.

Originally published as ‘Serious medical issue’: Basketball world stunned by LaVar Ball’s amputation