BASKETBALLPATROL  |  NBA  |  NEWS

LaVar Ball
Photo credit: Bleacher Report

LaVar Ball blames sons' injuries on training, shoes

Published April 13, 2024 at 9:10 PM
By: KEVIN BARREAU
PUBLICATION
Kevin Barreau
April 13, 2024  (9:10 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY
FOLLOW US

LaVar Ball expressed dissatisfaction with the training routines and footwear of his sons, Lonzo Ball of the Chicago Bulls and LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets, during an interview with Bill Reiter of CBS Sports. He attributed their injuries to these factors.

"They say, oh, LaVar, you worked the boys out too hard -- that's why they hurt. No, the reason they hurt is because they got away from me. And they start doing these roody-poo workouts. Because if you keep running them hills, you're going to keep that power and that strength. But you start dealing with these rubber bands and doing this lightweight stuff, of course you're going to start breaking down.[...] They've been trained hard enough? No, no, no. Because you condition your body for running and jumping. You've got to condition your legs. So that's why I always have my boys in them hills and running hard in them hills. That will make you run like a deer when you get on that court, so you won't be getting hurt. A lot of things have to do with them raggedy shoes that Melo be wearing. Them shoes are not made the right way for him. That's why he keeps tweaking his ankle every single time."

Since January 2022, Lonzo has been sidelined due to a knee injury, undergoing three surgeries on his knee since then. He missed the entirety of the 2022-23 season and has been ruled out for the entire 2023-24 season due to the ailment.

Despite being absent from the court for two seasons, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reported last month that there is a "growing buzz" suggesting he will "at least try to attempt to play next season."


Meanwhile, LaMelo has faced recurrent ankle injuries since his selection as the third overall pick in 2020. He last played on Jan. 26 due to an ankle injury, with the Hornets ruling him out for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign on March 28.

LaMelo participated in only 22 games before being sidelined, posting averages of 23.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 8.0 assists while shooting 43.3 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from beyond the arc.

LaVar informed Reiter that he anticipates both Lonzo and LaMelo returning to the court next season. If LaMelo can maintain his health in 2024-25, he is poised for a breakout year. Regarding Lonzo, returning to his previous form after an extended absence from the court will pose challenges.

While LaVar expressed dissatisfaction with Puma's footwear, LaMelo previously mentioned that the basketball sneakers from Big Baller Brand, priced at $500, were so unreliable that he required a new pair every quarter during NBA games.

Source Mediaite: LaVar Ball Blames Shoe Manufacturers, NBA Trainers for His Sons' Injuries: ‘The Reason They're Hurt Is Because They Got Away From Me'
Source Bleacher Report : LaVar Ball Blames Lonzo, LaMelo's Injuries on Strength Training Plans, Shoes
POLL
April 13   |   18 answers
LaVar Ball blames sons' injuries on training, shoes

Do you agree with LaVar Ball's remarks?

Yes316.7 %
No1583.3 %
LIST OF POLL
Latest 10 stories