LaVar Ball is keeping it all the way real — and this time, it’s not about basketball or branding, but a serious health battle that nearly took him out.
In a candid sit-down with SLAM, the father of NBA stars Lonzo, LaMelo, and LiAngelo Ball opened up about the medical condition that led to his leg amputation, and how ignoring his diabetes almost cost him everything.
Lavar Ball Undergoes Foot Amputation Due to Health Complications
Ball explained that everything started spiraling back in January, around the same time his son Gelo’s track “Tweaker” was going up heavy online. That’s when he noticed something wasn’t right with his foot — but unfortunately, he brushed it off.
“I got an infection on my foot that started spreading through my blood due to not paying attention to my diabetes,” LaVar revealed.
And just like that, what started as a small issue turned into a full-blown crisis.
The Shocking Medical Timeline: From Toes to Knee
At first, doctors tried to get ahead of the infection by amputating a few toes. But the situation kept getting worse.
“Then they cut off my foot,” LaVar said. “Then they said, ‘We gotta go almost knee high for another surgery.’”
Ultimately, Ball went under the knife three times — and also had to go through four separate blood transfusions to survive the complications.
He didn’t sugarcoat the pain or the toll it took on him, both mentally and physically.
“It made me think, ‘Man, just kill me and let me go about my business.’ It made me think that maybe it’s time for me to shut it down.”
How His Sons Helped Him Push Through
Despite feeling defeated, LaVar found his motivation in the same place he always has — his sons.
Lonzo, LaMelo, and LiAngelo stepped in, showing him love, support, and motivation to keep fighting through the darkest moments. Their energy was the spark he needed to bounce back.
Now, just a few months later, the 57-year-old is back to cracking jokes, lighting up TikTok, and dancing in his chair like the vibrant personality we all know. Real ones bounce back — and LaVar’s proving that every day
LaVar’s Message to the People: Take Your Health Seriously
After going through such a life-altering experience, LaVar’s not keeping quiet. He’s using his story as a wake-up call — especially for Black men and underserved communities who often skip out on regular checkups.
“Get your checkups,” he said. “Do what you’re supposed to do. If you don’t have insurance, go to urgent care. Because I’m going to tell you this, a little amputation and a little of this, it could all have been prevented.”
