Former NFL player LaVar Ball had his right foot amputated after suffering a serious medical issue, TMZ Sports has learned.
LaVar is recovering post-surgery, and TMZ reports he is in great spirits and doing well.
LaVar Ball had his foot amputated after suffering a serious medical issue, per @TMZ
He’s in good spirits ? pic.twitter.com/DjhSI8M9ii
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 19, 2025
LaVar is the father of NBA stars Lonzo and LaMelo Ball (pictured). He is also dad to former basketball player-turned aspiring rapper LiAngelo “Gelo” Ball.
LiAngelo was invited to perform his viral rap track “Tweaker” at the 2025 NBA All-Star game in San Francisco.
LaVar, 57, is best known for promoting his sons and creating the Big Baller Brand, which developed signature shoes for all three sons.
He was criticized for his parenting style and for cheating on his wife, Tina, 57, who suffered a stroke in 2017. She lost some mobility and was unable to speak.
Tina, who is 6-foot-1 and a former basketball player, has fully recovered. She accompanies LaVar to watch their sons play in the NBA.
LaVar made headlines for constantly bragging on his sons and predicting they would be NBA stars one day.
He has distanced himself from the spotlight in recent years, but has continued to be his sons’ biggest cheerleader.
LaVar played college basketball for West Los Angeles College, Washington State and Cal State Los Angeles. He also played football at Long Beach City College for a season.
He was a practice squad member for the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers in 1995, but he never played an official regular season game in the NFL.
