LaVar Ball Says Michael Jordan Isn't Lonzo, Couldn't Sell $495 Sneakers

LaVar Ball is saying things on television again. The former college baller, current father of NBA prospect Lonzo Ball and proprietor of Big Baller Brand appeared on Fox Sports 1's Undisputed program Monday, defending the BBB's $495 debut shoe.

When asked by panelists why they chose to hit a price point not even reached by Michael Jordan's famed Jordan Brand, LaVar said, “Because he ain’t Lonzo Ball, that’s why. Did he have his own brand coming in? It’s a new era called the Ball era.”

This is not the first time LaVar has publicly discussed Jordan, considered by most the greatest player in basketball history. LaVar said in April that he would defeat Jordan if given the opportunity to play him one-on-one.  

"He don't have to play a game. He did more than enough," LaVar said of Lonzo, who is considered a potential No. 1 overall pick in June 22's NBA draft. "Look at what he did at UCLA. He sold that place out, and it ain't been sold out in 10 years."

There is a lot to unpack here. The reasoning, in all likelihood, for the $495 price tag is the BBB shoes are privately funded. They are not part of a major endorsement deal, as Jordan Brand's is with Nike. When a product is not mass produced or purchased in bulk, overhead tends to skyrocket, which is why items cost more at mom-and-pop shops than at a major brand like Walmart.

The Ball family's long-term goal is likely to get interest from Nike, Adidas or Under Armour as a partnership deal rather than a sponsorship—similar to Jordan with Nike.

LaVar Ball's public marketing of this shoe is on brand. He's drawn headlines by saying borderline outlandish things in the media and will continue to do so as long as he's invited on these programs. LaVar surely knew that comparing Lonzo to the greatest player ever would burn up the blogosphere—even if it engenders a healthy sense of mockery.

If Lonzo winds up being as great as he looked during his one season at UCLA, though, LaVar Ball could wind up looking like a genius.