First and foremost, before I begin, I must initially state that this is a letter that will in all likelihood not get read by Lavar Ball, Lonzo Ball, LaMelo Ball, LiAngelo Ball or any other member of the Ball lineage. However, the spirit that lives within my inner core wants to transport my thoughts on this saga to print.
Dear Mr. Ball,
We’ve all seen and heard how your father-son escapades have played out so far. Lonzo, your 6’6 son who started as the point guard for the UCLA Bruins this past season, is more than likely a top-3 drafted player in the upcoming NBA Draft on June 22nd. Your desired destination for your son appears to be the sunny, star-studded stage that is Hollywood, California for the Los Angeles Lakers. Part one of that dream has manifested so far with the Lakers winning the second overall selection thanks to the Draft Lottery. A move that will put the young and inexperienced Lakers in prime position to draft your son.
As a father, I can never tell another man how to raise his own or how to run his household. What I will say is that some of your tactics are not prototypical to most. It has materialized that the public has encountered more of the elder Ball than they have of the soon-to-be professional basketball prospect. To some, that is a given, especially if a brand is in the process of being established. Thanks to your $495 price tag on your son’s very first shoe, the ZO2, many were constantly reminded that they are not big ballers. Which is exactly how you entice your potential consumer audience, by teasing and insulting them. This will only lead to more sales and everlasting profit correct? I’m pretty sure your outlandish comments about beating Michael Jordan one-on-one or your son is better than Golden State point guard Stephen Curry will lead to an increase in sales also. I’m sure that’s what the motive is here right?
I can not and will not make this a LaVar Ball Bash Fest. Why? Because in today’s society, there is an unfair convention that African-American fathers are rarely around their children and often absent. Seeing your face and hearing your voice on almost a daily basis portrays an image that is the complete opposite of that impression. You will be an influence in your son’s life and you will be around to see him succeed or at least attempt to have a successful career. For not living up to society’s misperception, I applaud you.
Where the issue lies is the fact that, in actuality, the talent of your son is the reason you’re in the limelight anyway. If he was a regular Joe Schmo working at a local pizza joint, there is no way possible LaVar Ball would be interviewed by the Colin Cowherds, the Stephen A. Smiths, and the Max Kellerman’s of the sports world.
I’m sure you’re probably wondering what my point is. What I am attempting to say is simple: less you, more Lonzo. You can continue to be a father. Continue to be your son’s biggest fan, continue to be the architect of Big Baller Brand. All that can be accomplished without you being a ball hog sort of speak. I can never tell you how to be a father or how to map your way to being a businessman. What I can provide is my opinion. An opinion that vividly expresses that it’s Lonzo’s time now, not yours.
Sincerely,
Eric Robinson
