In a surprising revelation, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball has suggested that his father’s Big Baller Brand shoes may have contributed to his ongoing injury issues. Reflecting on his experiences, he described the footwear as feeling more like “kickball shoes,” sparking discussions about their impact on his performance.
The Chicago star’s journey in the sneaker world has been marked by significant decisions influenced by his family’s aspirations. As a standout talent, the point guard had hopes of securing a deal with Adidas, a brand he admired since his high school days. However, his path took a different turn when he was led to believe that no major companies were interested in partnering with him.
Instead of pursuing a lucrative deal with Adidas, the NBA star followed his father’s vision and opted to wear Big Baller Brand shoes, a venture launched by LaVar Ball. This decision was rooted in family loyalty and the ambition to elevate their own brand in the competitive sneaker market. The shoes, which were marketed with high expectations, became a point of contention in his early career.
As he transitioned from college to the NBA, the Chicago PG became synonymous with the BBB, despite the challenges that came with it. His initial foray into the league saw him donning these shoes during critical moments, including the NBA Summer League, where he showcased his skills and potential.
Chicago Bulls’ Lonzo Ball Claims Big Baller Brand Shoes Might Have Caused Injuries
Just recently, Ball claimed that BBB shoes may have led to the various injuries he experienced. This can be seen in an article written by Jack Baer for Yahoo Sports.
We already knew Lonzo wasn’t happy with his father’s shoes, but he made it abundantly clear to ESPN in an article about his long-term injury woes published Thursday.
As the story goes, Lonzo was selected No. 2 overall and was given a pair of shoes to wear in summer league. He didn’t like them.
Via ESPN:
“They were like kickball shoes,” Ball said. He wore them just twice that summer. He and his manager, Darren Moore, went out to Foot Locker stores in Las Vegas to buy a different pair of high-end shoes for each game. Ball played one game each in the Air Jordan XXXI, Nike Kobe A.D., Adidas Harden LS and Under Armour Curry 4 en route to winning summer league MVP.
The NBA star has expressed concerns that his father’s footwear products may have contributed to his injury struggles in the league. Reflecting on his experiences, he described the shoes as feeling akin to “kickball shoes,” indicating they lacked the necessary support for professional play.
Despite his initial loyalty to the brand, Ball now questions the footwear’s impact on his performance and health. As he continues his career, the lessons learned from this experience may guide his future choices in gear and partnerships.
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