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“Shutup and Mind Your Team”: Father of Lonzo and LaMelo Ball, LaVar Hits Back at Gregg Popovich’s ‘Fan in the Peanut Gallery’ Remark

Published 10/17/2023, 3:09 AM EDT

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LaVar Ball, a self-proclaimed pro footballer and even with a side of basketball, is quite the controversial figure. Apart from being the father of Lonzo and LaMelo Ball, he is also a businessman. Owner of Big Baller Brand, an apparel company, he makes up for the drama his sons don’t create. The said company has undergone a lot of problems.

From fraud allegations to the company getting a big fat ‘F’ for consumer complaints, BBB is a warrior. The company name is also a testament to the major confidence that seems to be a common feature in the Balls. The recent spat is with Greg Popovich and LaVar is at war.

Popovich gets smacked by Papa Ball for his remark

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The NBA coaches and presidents were not happy with LaVar Ball’s comment on former Lakers coach Luke Walton. LaVar’s claims include Luke’s coaching being subpar and his age is not the right one for a team like the Lakers. Gregg Popovich, president of the Spurs wasn’t happy at all with these remarks.

Responding to the same, Ball Senior in his episode with DJ Vlad, gives his 10 cents to Gregg. “Y’all shut up and just mind your team.”

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Though Luke Walton doesn’t have the best of records when it comes to coaching, for LaVar Ball to call out a coach like that got to every other coach. As for Walton, it was reported that he was fine with all the criticism as long as it didn’t affect the relationship with the then-rookie, Lonzo.

Many of the coaches had some strong words for Lonzo’s father at the time. The one that stuck was Popovich’s “fan in the peanut gallery” comment.

Lonzo Ball does not share his father’s opinion

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At the time the verbal attack against Walton happened, the year 2018, to be exact, the Lakers had just ended a nine-game losing streak. LaVar is always of the opinion that his sons are too good for anybody. While that may be a parent’s blind love for their children, there is a fine line they need to be aware of. And nobody knows how many times LaVar has crossed that line.

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When asked about how Lonzo feels about his father’s comments, he said, “He is going to speak his mind. He is not going to change … I don’t think [Walton has lost the locker room]. I mean, he’s our head coach. We are going to play for him.”(Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com)

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Luke Walton was also of the same opinion. He had nothing to worry about on the job front. One majority owner even tweeted a hashtag to show their support of the coach. Well, it was then. But Papa Ball is not about to stop his continued disgruntlement of something or the other. What is the next thing he’ll probably find fault with? Let us know your thoughts below.

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Written by:

Geisha Pulimoottil Don

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Geisha is an NBA content writer at EssentiallySports. Having years of experience as a content writer, she focuses on providing in-depth coverage of the basketball entities. The increased use of technology in studying the game and its intricacies intrigues her.
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Edited by:

Sameen Nawathe