LiAngelo Ball is a name that frequently comes up in conversations surrounding the Ball family and their incredible impact on basketball. Known for his involvement in both high school basketball and international play, LiAngelo has carved out his niche as a talented athlete in his own right, despite the larger shadows cast by his famous brothers, Lonzo and LaMelo Ball.
In this article, we will delve into the life and career of LiAngelo Ball, exploring his rise to fame, his playing style, his challenges, and his journey to becoming a prominent figure in the basketball world. We’ll cover his career milestones, family dynamics, the controversy that has surrounded him, and the latest developments about his future in basketball.
Early Life and Family Background
LiAngelo Ball was born on November 24, 1998, in Chino Hills, California, to LaVar Ball and Tina Ball. He is the middle child in the famous Ball family, with an older brother, Lonzo Ball, and a younger brother, LaMelo Ball, both of whom have gained considerable attention in the basketball world. The Ball family became a global sensation due to LaVar’s outspoken personality and his ambitious goals for his children.
LiAngelo grew up in a basketball-centric household, and from a young age, it was clear that all three Ball brothers had an affinity for the sport. LaVar Ball, a former college basketball player, trained his sons intensively, shaping their skills and mentality. The Ball family became known for their “Big Baller Brand,” which started as a clothing and shoe line and garnered worldwide attention.
High School Career at Chino Hills High School
LiAngelo attended Chino Hills High School, where he played alongside his brothers Lonzo and LaMelo on one of the most formidable high school teams in California. The trio led Chino Hills to an undefeated season in 2016, capturing the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Open Division Championship and a national championship.
LiAngelo was a prolific scorer during his time at Chino Hills, standing out as a shooting guard with a keen eye for three-point shooting. During his senior year, he averaged 27.4 points per game, showcasing his ability to score from all areas of the court. His explosive scoring ability helped the Chino Hills Huskies reach a national spotlight, with the team’s impressive 35-0 record in 2016. However, despite his success on the court, LiAngelo’s future in basketball became more complicated as he began considering his options for college and professional play.
LiAngelo Ball’s College Career
Commitment to UCLA Following his stellar high school career, LiAngelo Ball committed to play college basketball at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He joined a star-studded UCLA roster that included his brother Lonzo Ball, who was projected as a top NBA draft pick.
The expectations surrounding the Ball brothers were immense, with many seeing UCLA as a springboard for their professional basketball careers. LiAngelo’s time at UCLA, however, was short-lived and overshadowed by controversy. While his college basketball career was brief, it helped shape the next phase of his basketball journey.
The UCLA China Incident and Suspension
LiAngelo’s college career was derailed when he was involved in a highly publicized incident during a UCLA basketball trip to China in November 2017. LiAngelo, along with teammates Cody Riley and Jalen Hill, was arrested for shoplifting in a luxury store in Hangzhou, China, just days before UCLA was scheduled to play in the season-opening games of the Pac-12 season.
The incident caught the attention of international media, and the three players were released after a few days in custody. After returning to the United States, LiAngelo and his teammates faced significant disciplinary action from UCLA, with Ball being suspended indefinitely.
In the wake of this incident, LaVar Ball, his outspoken father, made several controversial statements, including pulling LiAngelo from UCLA to pursue alternative paths. This marked a significant turning point in LiAngelo’s basketball career, as he began to consider more unconventional options for his future.
LiAngelo’s Decision to Turn Pro
After leaving UCLA, LiAngelo Ball chose to follow a non-traditional route in his pursuit of professional basketball. In January 2018, he signed with the Lithuanian professional basketball team BC Prienai (now known as Prienai CBet), playing alongside his younger brother LaMelo Ball, who was also seeking a professional basketball opportunity.
The Ball brothers’ move to Lithuania attracted significant media attention, with many considering this decision a bold and unconventional choice in their pursuit of basketball stardom. The duo played in Lithuania for a brief period, showcasing their skills in LKL, the Lithuanian Basketball League. During their time in Lithuania, the Ball brothers were coached by Tomas Pačėsas, and LiAngelo had the chance to experience the professional basketball scene in Europe.
LiAngelo’s performance in Lithuania was somewhat inconsistent. He averaged 12.6 points per game with a solid shooting percentage, but it was clear that the competition in Europe was at a different level compared to his high school days. LiAngelo’s time in Lithuania ultimately wasn’t a breakthrough, and after just a few months, he left the team to explore other opportunities.
NBA Summer League and G League Attempts
LiAngelo’s ultimate goal has always been to play in the NBA. In the 2018 NBA Summer League, LiAngelo was invited to play for the Los Angeles Lakers, a team managed by his brother Lonzo Ball at the time. Although LiAngelo performed decently in the Summer League, he didn’t stand out enough to secure a spot on the Lakers roster. Despite this, LiAngelo did not give up on his NBA aspirations.
Following the Summer League, LiAngelo played for the Oklahoma City Blue, a G League affiliate team. However, he struggled to make a significant impact at the professional level, and his time with the team was short. LiAngelo’s lack of experience at the highest level of competition, combined with his somewhat erratic performances, led to doubts about his potential NBA career.
2021 NBA Draft and Pro Basketball
Despite not securing a permanent spot in the NBA or G League, LiAngelo continued to pursue his dreams of playing in the league. In 2021, he was again included in the Charlotte Hornets’ Summer League roster, playing alongside his younger brother LaMelo, who had already established himself as a rising star in the NBA. Although LiAngelo showed flashes of his scoring ability during the Summer League, he was not offered a contract with the Hornets.
LiAngelo Ball’s Current Status
LiAngelo’s Role in the NBA and Future Prospects As of 2025, LiAngelo Ball is still chasing his NBA dream, but his journey remains uncertain. Although he has showcased his talents in various basketball leagues, including the NBA Summer League and G League, he has yet to secure a permanent spot on an NBA team. However, his brother LaMelo’s success with the Charlotte Hornets has undoubtedly kept the Ball name in the NBA spotlight, potentially opening doors for LiAngelo down the road.
Moreover, with the rise of basketball leagues in countries like Australia and China, LiAngelo could consider international basketball opportunities to further develop his game. His journey has taught him resilience and patience, as he continues to chase his basketball dreams in a world where his family’s high profile and expectations sometimes overshadow his individual efforts.
LiAngelo Ball’s Playing Style
LiAngelo Ball’s playing style is characterized by his scoring ability, particularly as a shooting guard. He is known for his three-point shooting, a trait that he inherited from his father, LaVar, who was an advocate for the family’s ability to shoot from deep range. LiAngelo is also a capable ball handler and has good court awareness, although his defense and consistency have been areas of concern.
Despite his challenges, LiAngelo has never shied away from competition. His ability to shoot under pressure, coupled with his size (6’5″ and 230 pounds), allows him to compete at various levels. His work ethic, fostered by the training regimen his father implemented, remains one of the key elements that continues to fuel his basketball journey.
LiAngelo Ball’s Impact Beyond Basketball
LiAngelo’s journey in basketball has contributed significantly to the Ball family’s legacy. LaVar Ball’s ambitious vision for his sons has brought them into the global spotlight, and although LiAngelo has not yet achieved the NBA stardom many predicted, he continues to be a part of the Ball family’s broader impact on basketball culture.
Moreover, the Big Baller Brand continues to be a significant aspect of the Ball family’s influence, with LiAngelo, Lonzo, and LaMelo all representing the brand and its broader vision. Through the success of LaMelo in the NBA and the ongoing publicity surrounding the Ball brothers, LiAngelo’s name remains synonymous with the family’s overall presence in basketball.
FAQs
What is LiAngelo Ball’s background?
LiAngelo was born on November 24, 1998, in Anaheim, California. Like his brothers, he attended Chino Hills High School, where he was part of a powerhouse basketball team. After high school, he committed to playing for UCLA but was involved in a shoplifting incident in China, which led to his suspension and eventual departure from the team.
Has LiAngelo Ball played in the NBA?
LiAngelo has not yet played a regular season game in the NBA. However, he has participated in the NBA Summer League with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 and has spent time playing in the NBA G League, primarily with the Greensboro Swarm, the G League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets.
What is LiAngelo Ball’s relationship with his brothers?
LiAngelo is very close with his brothers, Lonzo and LaMelo. The trio became famous for their basketball skills and the Ball family’s ambitious branding, Big Baller Brand. Although they each follow different basketball paths, the Ball brothers have supported each other’s careers.
Is LiAngelo Ball still pursuing an NBA career?
Yes, LiAngelo Ball is still actively pursuing an NBA career. Despite not being drafted, he has maintained his hopes of being signed by an NBA team. He continues to train and stay in playing shape, participating in events like the Summer League and working out with NBA teams to prove his value.
What is LiAngelo Ball’s current net worth?
As of 2024, LiAngelo’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $10 million. His wealth comes from his basketball career, endorsements, and involvement in Big Baller Brand. The brand, founded by his father, LaVar Ball, has brought attention to the Ball family both in and out of the basketball world.
In Summary
LiAngelo Ball’s basketball career has been one of highs and lows, from his days as a high school star at Chino Hills to his brief time in Lithuania and the NBA Summer League. Despite not having the same level of success as his brothers, LiAngelo’s passion for the game and his determination to make it to the NBA continue to drive his journey forward.
Whether he will ultimately find a permanent home in the NBA or continue his career overseas, LiAngelo’s story is far from over. The Ball family’s influence on basketball and sports culture is undeniable, and LiAngelo remains an integral part of that legacy. As he continues to chase his NBA dream, fans and analysts alike are watching closely, eager to see what the future holds for this determined and resilient athlete.
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