In a recent interview on “Unapologetically Angel” with Angel Reese, LiAngelo Ball, the third brother in the family renowned for its basketball talent, shared a defining moment from his life: his 2017 arrest in China while on a UCLA basketball trip. At 18, Ball made a reckless decision when he pilfered designer sunglasses from a Louis Vuitton store near the team’s hotel in Hangzhou. Reflecting on this incident, Ball candidly acknowledged the gravity of his actions, admitting they were wrong and stemming from poor judgment in a “wrong spot, wrong time” scenario. His brief but reflective commentary highlighted a sense of accountability for a mistake that significantly influenced his journey.
Ball described the immediate recognition of his wrongdoing as he left the store, feeling a sense of inevitability that things would escalate negatively. This fleeting moment of exhilaration quickly morphed into anxiety, as he and his teammates realized the seriousness of their actions. As he recounted this event, it was clear that the experience served as a pivotal moment in his life, shaping not only his career path but also his personal growth over the years. Since the incident, he noted that he has avoided trouble, indicating a transformation in his character and decision-making.
The fallout from Ball’s arrest was significant, drawing international attention and even prompting an unusual intervention from then-President Donald Trump. In an effort to resolve the situation, Trump personally reached out to Chinese President Xi Jinping, asking for assistance in securing the release of Ball and his two teammates, Cody Riley and Jalen Hill. Trump’s involvement underscored the gravity of the situation and raised the profile of the incident well beyond the realm of sports, making it a diplomatic issue. Trump’s social media statements expressed relief upon their release and encouraged the players to recognize how fortunate they were in light of their circumstances.
After his UCLA career ended, Ball faced challenges breaking into the NBA. Despite his family legacy—his brothers Lonzo and LaMelo both becoming NBA stars—LiAngelo was not selected in the 2018 NBA Draft. Instead, he opted to play overseas in Lithuania, marking a departure from typical pathways for aspiring professional basketball players. He also participated in the Junior Basketball Association, a league founded by his father, LaVar Ball. These choices illustrated his determination to pursue basketball despite the hurdles he faced, including the shadow of his past.
In the subsequent years, Ball attempted to build his career in the professional leagues, including a stint in the NBA G-League from 2021 to 2023. He signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Detroit Pistons in 2020 but was waived shortly after. Likewise, his brief appearances with the Charlotte Hornets proved unfruitful, as he was waived again soon after signing. Throughout these endeavors, Ball has yet to play in a regular-season NBA game, highlighting the difficulties many athletes face when trying to establish themselves in a competitive environment with high expectations.
LiAngelo Ball’s career trajectory stands in stark contrast to that of his brothers, LaMelo and Lonzo, who have both made their marks in the NBA. While the pressure stemming from being part of such a well-known family can be intense, Ball continues to navigate his path in basketball. His journey serves as a reminder of the complexities athletes face, including setbacks, personal mistakes, and the relentless pursuit of redemption and success in their respective fields. As he moves forward, Ball remains focused on growth and learning from his past, suggesting that he is determined to carve out his own identity in the world of basketball.
