Business tycoon and founder of the Junior Basketball Association (JBA), LaVar Ball is once again in the thick of media attention. In a time where the lack of sporting action is plaguing the world, any comment made by a celebrity has become fodder for sensationalism. 

Michael Jordan vs LaVar Ball

LaVar Ball has three sons who are all into the game of basketball. Back in 2017, Ball told USA Today that he could beat Michael Jordan in a 1v1. 

“He cannot stop me one-on-one. He better make every shot ’cause he can’t go around me. He’s not fast enough. And he can only make so many shots outside before I make every bucket under the rim.”

Ball, being an outspoken person didn’t leave things there. In a recent chat with The Players Tribune, the 52-year-old insisted that he would beat Jordan 1v1, even in his prime. He stated: 

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“To show you how good I was, he had sons too. Why they not as good as my sons? That shows you it was oozing out of me.”

Stating The Facts

Ball’s claims are debatable. Looking at his college stats as a basketball player, he just averaged 2.2 points and 2.3 rebounds across the 26 games he played. 

Now, on the other hand, it is not required to state Michael Jordan’s individual and team honors as a player. He is one of the finest players to step foot on a court, if not the greatest. Jordan won six NBA championships in his playing career, including five MVP awards. A plethora of other honors make him one of the most decorated athletes ever. 

Jordan, when asked to comment on Ball’s provocative statement, said:

“I think he played college, maybe? He averaged 2.2 points a game. Really? It doesn’t deserve a response, but I’ma give it to you because you asked the question. I don’t think he could beat me if I was one-legged.”

It is impossible for a basketball fan to agree with LaVar Ball’s comments on Jordan. However, he said what he has said and defends his statements as well.