Lonzo and LaMelo Ball are the only brothers in NBA history to be selected in the top three of the draft. However, a recurring challenge in both their careers has been injuries that have hindered them from reaching their full potential.
While LaMelo has been luckier, demonstrating his immense potential with an All-Star appearance in his second year, injuries have still impacted him. He seemed poised for another All-Star nod this season before a calf strain sidelined him for at least two weeks. Despite this setback, there’s optimism he can return to full health soon, especially as the Hornets’ injury-riddled roster may soon be at full strength.
On the other hand, Lonzo’s injury struggles have been more severe. After missing the past two seasons due to various ailments, the Chicago Bulls veteran has played in only eight of 25 games this season. His injury-prone career is baffling, especially considering there were no signs of such setbacks during his college days.
In a recent ESPN interview, Lonzo offered an intriguing theory about the possible cause of his injuries—something that would likely not sit well with their father, LaVar. The 27-year-old speculated that wearing Big Baller Brand shoes might have contributed to his first major injury, a sprained MCL during his rookie year. “I think it’s a possibility for sure,” Lonzo said. “I wasn’t really getting hurt like that until I started wearing them.”
While this is just a theory, it’s not an entirely far-fetched idea. Looking back, LaMelo’s decision to leave BBB behind and sign with Puma before the Hornets drafted him in 2020 seems wise. Had LaMelo stayed with the brand, it’s hard to imagine he would have avoided injury problems of his own. Many Hornets fans are already frustrated with the injury curse haunting their team, and seeing LaMelo suffer the same fate as Lonzo would have been a blow.
Charlotte’s hopes aren’t completely dashed yet. The 2021 Rookie of the Year still has a long road ahead in proving he can shake his injury-prone label. If he can’t, it might be time to consider whether the Ball family’s problems run deeper than just the shoes they wear.
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