LaVar Ball on LiAngelo Playing in China: 'They Would Be Happy to Have Him'

LaVar Ball expressed his belief Wednesday that a Chinese professional basketball team would be open to rostering his son, LiAngelo.

When asked, LaVar told TMZ Sports: "Of course! Why not? They would be happy to have him."

LiAngelo and former UCLA teammates Cody Riley and Jalen Hill were detained in China in November for shoplifting. They were eventually allowed to return home to the United States following President Donald Trump's intervention.

UCLA suspended LiAngelo indefinitely from the basketball team following his return, and LaVar announced Monday he was pulling his son from the program in favor of focusing on the 2018 NBA draft.

LiAngelo—who 247Sports ranked as the No. 226 overall recruit and No. 50 shooting guard in the class of 2017 entering UCLA—indicated to TMZ Sports he was ready to explore options overseas.

An NBA general manager told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski that Ball has "no chance" to be selected in the 2018 draft.

The Los Angeles Lakers selected LiAngelo's older brother, Lonzo, with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft. 247Sports lists his younger brother, LaMelo, as the No. 15 overall prospect in the 2019 class.