According to the latest reports from US media, LaVar Ball has announced that his second son, LiAngelo Ball, has officially withdrawn from UCLA. The decision comes after LiAngelo was handed an indefinite suspension by the university for his involvement in a shoplifting incident in China earlier in the season. LaVar argued that UCLA’s punishment was far too severe compared to the actual incident, fueling his push for his son to take a different path. The story stirred debate across sports media, much like the heated discussions often seen around Live Cricket Bangladesh updates where every decision sparks contrasting opinions among fans.
LaVar explained that the primary reason behind LiAngelo’s departure was to prepare for the upcoming NBA Draft. He stated, “We are exploring other opportunities for LiAngelo. He’s withdrawn from UCLA, and I will do everything I can to get him into the draft. It’s better than sitting around waiting. He didn’t face such harsh treatment in China, yet now, back home, he’s punished even more severely. It’s almost like being locked up.” UCLA head coach Steve Alford released an official statement shortly after the news broke, saying, “Today we learned of LiAngelo’s decision to leave school. We respect his and his family’s choice, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”
For LaVar, the move was intended to improve his son’s professional prospects, but the outlook remains bleak. Renowned NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported that even before the shoplifting case, LiAngelo was considered an unlikely draft pick. One NBA general manager told reporters, “He was never on our scouting radar, not even on the extended lists.” LaVar, however, insisted the school failed his son, saying, “I didn’t discuss withdrawing with UCLA. Why should I? They never consulted me about anything. They only cared about the Ball family name. But keeping the team’s top shooter on the bench? That’s like the Clippers suddenly deciding not to play J.J. Redick back in the day.”
Adding to the turbulence, LaVar’s youngest son, LaMelo Ball, had already left his high school team earlier. Although LaVar had long planned for LaMelo to attend UCLA, insiders revealed that the university no longer intends to bring him into the program. This marks another significant shift in the Ball family’s complicated relationship with the college basketball system.
Wojnarowski further reported that LiAngelo now faces an uphill battle in pursuing a basketball career. His chances of reaching the NBA are slim to none, and even finding a spot in the G League appears highly unlikely. For LiAngelo, perhaps the more realistic route would have been to accept a scholarship at a smaller program, focus on development, and continue his education. Yet the Ball family has chosen to take the riskier road, betting on exposure and the draft system rather than stability. Sports fans, much like those who passionately follow Live Cricket Bangladesh, continue to watch the saga unfold, eager to see whether this gamble will pay off or end up as another cautionary tale in the unpredictable world of professional sports.
The story highlights both the ambition and volatility of the Ball family’s approach, where big dreams and bigger controversies often collide. For LiAngelo, the path ahead may not be easy, but one thing is certain: just as audiences never tire of following Live Cricket Bangladesh updates, the public will keep a close eye on every twist and turn in his journey.