LaVar Ball, the outspoken patriarch of the Ball basketball dynasty, recently faced a significant health challenge that led to the amputation of his right leg below the knee. This unexpected turn of events has shed light on the critical importance of managing chronic health conditions, particularly diabetes.
In a candid first-person account for SLAM magazine, Ball detailed the sequence of events that began with a seemingly minor foot infection. He admitted that neglecting his diabetes played a pivotal role in the escalation of his health issues. “I had an infection on my foot that started spreading through my blood due to not paying attention to my diabetes,” Ball wrote. “I ended up having to get my leg amputated. First, they cut off a couple of toes. Then they cut off my foot. Then they said, ‘We gotta go almost knee-high for another surgery.'”
The progression of the infection was rapid and alarming. Despite initial surgical interventions, the infection persisted, leading to multiple surgeries and blood transfusions. Ball underwent three surgeries in total and required four blood transfusions to combat the spreading infection. The severity of the situation took a toll on his mental and emotional well-being, leading him to question whether to continue fighting. “It made me think, ‘Man, just kill me and let me go about my business.’ It made me think that maybe it’s time for me to shut it down,” he confessed.
Throughout this ordeal, the unwavering support of his family, especially his sons—NBA players Lonzo and LaMelo Ball, and rapper LiAngelo Ball—played a crucial role in his recovery. Their encouragement and success served as a beacon of hope and motivation for Ball. He shared that seeing his sons excel in their respective fields reinforced his determination to persevere. “It was good to have that backing from my boys. One of the things that makes me go is when they are all together. When they are all together, I feel strong,” Ball expressed.
This experience has transformed Ball’s perspective on health, leading him to become an advocate for proactive health management. He emphasized the importance of regular medical check-ups and timely intervention, particularly within the Black community, where there can be a tendency to delay seeking medical attention. Ball urged others to learn from his experience and prioritize their health to prevent similar situations. “From my experience the last couple months, I want to get in people’s heads the importance of taking care of your health—especially Black people, because sometimes we’re not trying to go to the hospital, we will try to sleep it off or say, ‘Yeah, we’ll get to it later,'” he noted. “And sometimes it’s a little more serious than what you think.”
Despite the challenges, Ball has maintained his characteristic humor and resilience. In a TikTok video, he lightheartedly addressed his amputation, saying, “Did y’all forget I’m LaVar? If I wanted to, I’d grow it back!”
LaVar Ball’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of health awareness and the impact of family support during challenging times. His story encourages individuals to take proactive steps in managing their health and underscores the value of seeking timely medical attention.
