Former No. 2 overall pick Lonzo Ball said the Los Angeles Lakers ordered him to abandon his Big Baller Brand sneakers during his rookie stint with the club in 2017-18.
Speaking on a recent episode of the “Ball in the Family” podcast, Ball explained that team executives summoned him to the office after reviewing game footage that highlighted durability issues with the shoes.
“They played a video for me,” Ball said. “My shoe was already turning before I hit the ground. They told me, ‘You can’t wear these anymore.’”
Ball noted he had continued to wear the sneakers longer than he preferred because of his father and Big Baller Brand co-founder LaVar Ball, but ultimately agreed with the club’s decision. “That shoe just wasn’t for me,” he added.
Lakers’ Rationale
The organization viewed Ball as a cornerstone of a young core that also included Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Julius Randle, and Josh Hart. Protecting that investment became a priority as Ball dealt with knee and ankle problems early in his career.
Despite switching footwear, injuries persisted. Ball has since missed two full NBA seasons, a development that has stalled what was once considered a promising trajectory.
Front-Office Update
Separately, the Lakers have hired Rohan Ramadas as assistant general manager in charge of strategy and data systems. General manager Rob Pelinka previously said the franchise intended to add two assistant GMs this offseason; Ramadas is the first of those appointments.
With roster and staff decisions looming, Los Angeles continues to reshape its infrastructure ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Source: Lakers Nation
