Lonzo Ball

October 27, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Lonzo Anderson Ball was born in Anaheim, California, on October 27, 1997. He is a professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls.. As an N.B.A. rookie with the Lakers, Ball had his playing time cut short due to shoulder and knee injuries, getting sidelined for much of his second term. At the end of the season, he went to the New Orleans Pelicans in a trade package for Anthony Davis. There, he played two seasons before joining the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade deal.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Lonzo Anderson Ball

Nickname:

Birth date:

October 27, 1997

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Scorpio

Height:

6' 6"

Relationship Status:

In a relationship

Net Worth:

$35 million

Background

Lonzo Ball was born in Anaheim, California, on October 27, 1997. He is the son of LaVar and Tina Ball, both former college basketball players. Ball grew up with his younger brothers LiAngelo and LaMelo, and until they reached high school, the trio played together in teams coached by their father. Later, he would be part of the Chino Hills High School’s team in Chino Hills, California, where he would lead the school to a 35–0 record and a state title. In 2015, he signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of California in Los Angeles.

His college career was short but certainly significant. As just a freshman, he was named to the preseason watch list for the John R. Wooden Award to be the top college player in the nation. Ball was a unanimous first-team All-American, earning honors from the United States Basketball Writers Association, Sporting News, National Association of Basketball Coaches, and Associated Press. It wouldn’t take long for him to be selected by the Los Angeles Lakers. Magic Johnson, Lakers president of basketball operations, billed Ball as “the new face of the Lakers.” After two impressive seasons, the Lakers decide to trade Ball, Josh Hart, Ingram, the draft rights to De’Andre Hunter, a first-round pick swap, two first-round draft picks, and cash to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for All-Star Anthony Davis.

Heading into the 2020-21 season, the Pelicans’ coach Stan Van Gundy decided to place him in a 3-and-D role, which was a new thing for him. In this new setup, his assist average dropped around 5.7 per game. Ball became a restricted free agent, and in 2021 he was traded to the Chicago Bulls. Recently, in January 2022, the Bulls announced that he would have to undergo surgery on his left knee. In April, he suffered a setback in rehab and was officially ruled out for the remainder of the season. Ball is currently recovering and is expected to get back on the hoops soon.

Career timeline

2016

The Start of His College Career

As a freshman, he is among the 50 players named to the preseason watch list for the John R. Wooden Award.

2017

The Draft to L.A. Lakers

Ball is selected with the second overall pick of the 2017 N.B.A. draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.

2019

The Trade to New Orleans Pelicans

In exchange for All-Star Anthony Davis, the Lakers trade Ball, Josh Hart, Ingram, and the draft rights to De'Andre Hunter.

2021

The Move to Chicago Bulls

Ball is traded to the Chicago Bulls in a sign-and-trade deal with the Pelicans.

2022

Ball Undergoes Surgery

The Chicago Bulls announce that Ball has to undergo surgery on his left knee, and he suffers a setback in his rehab.

Why We Love Lonzo Ball

He supports the youth
He went as far as covering the cost of school supplies and clothes for a group of kids and their families. This was such an inspiring act of solidarity.
He stands with the B.L.M. movement
During the 2020 protests, he took a break from hoops to speak out against racism and police brutality. He fights for what he believes is right.
He cares about the under-resourced communities
Throughout the Thanksgiving season, he donated to the Chicago C.R.E.D. program, an anti-gun violence organization. That donation provided groceries to 200 families.

5 Surprising Facts

He’s a young talent
At around 20 years old, he almost became the youngest player in N.B.A. history to notch a triple-double.
He also has musical talent
He dropped his rap album "Born 2 Ball" with 17 tracks.
He hated his signature shoe
On a podcast, he stated that he would have to go through four pairs a game because they would rip.
He had to hide a tattoo
The N.B.A. told him he would have to hide his Big Baller Brand tattoo because the brand wasn't sponsoring the league.
He had a high G.P.A.
He was one of the top students in high school, graduating with a 4.0 G.P.A.