Unlike the confident and outspoken LaVar Ball we usually see, he did not take his health condition lightly before his leg amputation. In fact, the businessman made a startling revelation about his thoughts during that difficult time.
A month ago, Ball shared videos on social media joking about the amputation of his right leg. He even made it seem like he handled the situation casually, but the truth is very different. In an interview with SLAM, he opened up about his real emotions.
His health deteriorated rapidly
Photos of LaVar Ball leaving the hospital without his foot quickly grabbed the attention of his followers. However, it was only recently revealed why doctors recommended the amputation of his right leg.
Ball developed a severe foot infection, but he ignored his diabetes, allowing the infection to spread into his bloodstream. He underwent three surgeries and multiple blood transfusions to stabilize his condition. At his lowest point, he admitted thinking: “Man, just kill me and let me move on… It made me feel like maybe it’s time to turn it off.”
Just a handful of clips from our EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with the Big Baller, LaVar Ball pic.twitter.com/uZyNO6sk6k
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 18, 2025
For a man known for his charisma and relentless optimism, being in that situation was far more difficult than anyone could imagine. His words confirm that his struggle was stronger than his will to keep going.
His sons kept him going
Despite his despair, the support of his three sons helped LaVar Ball pull through. “Seeing what my kids are doing out there, they say: ‘Dad, you’re the toughest guy I know.’ That kept me going. Even though I’m a tough guy and don’t need much, it’s good to have that support from my boys. I’m the Big Baller. I’m hard to kill. But I have to admit, my boys kept me going,” he said.
This resilience is the same determination that helped him promote his sons to stardom. Lonzo Ball and LaMelo Ball became NBA stars with multimillion-dollar contracts.
Meanwhile, LiAngelo Ball pursued a rap career and released his debut single, “Tweaker,” which quickly climbed the charts. His success came just as LaVar Ball was battling for his life.
