LaVar Ball Finds Stephen A Smith’s Support After Blaming $6.86 Billion Company For Son LaMelo’s Persistent Woes

Published 04/06/2024, 1:18 PM EDT

Since entering the NBA with a ton of hype from his father LaVar Ball, LaMelo has been massively inconsistent with his presence on the floor. While playing the Charlotte Hornets franchise, the star has shown glimpses of greatness. However, the 22-year-old is never consistent due to his injuries. This season, the 2021 ROTY, played only 22 games due to an ankle injury, but when he did play, he averaged 23.4 points, 8 assists, and 1.8 steals.

In response to his continued absence, his famously outspoken father, LaVar, blamed his trainers and shoe company. “A lot of things have to do with those raggedy shoes that Melo is wearing, “ said Ball. He further added, “Them shoes are not made the right way for him. That’s why he keeps tweaking his ankle every single time.” Days later, Stephen A. Smith reacted to the comments in the latest episode of his podcast.

“As ridiculous as his quotes and statements may appear, the fact is, who can definitively refute what he’s saying is wrong.” He further added, “Those shoes that they’re wearing, how do we know he’s wrong? We don’t know. We don’t know. So guess what, Lavar Ball might be right. I’m just… I don’t know. I just know I can’t easily and necessarily dismiss it. I just wanted to throw that out there.”

Article continues below this ad

On the downside, however, LaVar’s comments may end up hurting LaMelo, considering he signed a signature shoe deal with Puma worth 100 Million Dollars before his rookie season. Now it’s more than likely that the $6.86 Billion company won’t take these comments jovially. Thus, Smith’s supportive reaction to LaVar instead of clowning him comes as a surprise to many. More so, knowing that Stephen A. put their beef aside and agreed with the Ball for once.

What’s the Beef between LaVar Ball and Stephen A. Smith?

LaVar Ball had previously criticized Stephen A. Smith, accusing him of hypocrisy in covering the Ball family. Referring to Smith as “the roody-poo” and “the $3 bill,” LaVar expressed his dislike for the commentator’s attitude towards him and his sons. “You talk bad about my sons; you talk bad about me. Don’t say nothing crazy and then try to backpedal,” LaVar had remarked.

Article continues below this ad

The tension peaked when LaVar claimed he could beat Michael Jordan in a one-on-one game, prompting a heated exchange with Smith. Their feud continued in 2019 when Lonzo Ball was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, contradicting LaVar’s earlier statements. Smith accused LaVar of dishonesty regarding his shifting stance on the trade. Despite ongoing conflicts, does Smith’s recent agreement signal the beef is now buried? What are your thoughts? Do you agree with Ball? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.

Stephen A. Smith Relives “Jobless” to $20 Million Riches Journey at Live Event in Austin, Texas

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Akashdeep Banerjee is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. He commenced his journey in sports writing after obtaining a degree in Mass Communication. The pinnacle of the three-point revolution, marked by the captivating performances of Stephen Curry and the GSW, ignited his passion.

Edited by:

Shivatmika Manvi

LaVar Ball Finds Stephen A Smith’s Support After Blaming $6.86 Billion Company For Son LaMelo’s Persistent Woes

What’s the Beef between LaVar Ball and Stephen A. Smith?

Trending

“Kissing & Hugging Too Much”: Charles Barkley Claims Michael Jordan Had No Friends, Warns Anthony Edwards of Tough Future

Focused on 1 Skill Before WNBA Debut, Caitlin Clark Reflects on Chemistry With Indiana Fever Teammates

Caitlin Clark Reflects on 1 Vital Virtue for Indiana Fever Before Her WNBA Debut

Carmelo Anthony Catches Ex-Wife La La’s Attention While Aboard Son Kiyan’s Hype Train

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers