The overbearing presence of his father has been cited as a reason NBA teams might pass on Lonzo Ball in the 2017 NBA Draft. But few people have taken the time to consider a simple question: How does Lonzo feel about LaVar Ball being around all the time? He's a teenager fresh off a year in college, which tends to be the time most kids try to distance themselves from their parents and explore their own identity away from their family.
During an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday night, Kimmel finally decided to tackle that question. When he approached the UCLA star about the dynamic with his father, the younger Ball said he's unfazed by the attention his dad gets.
"I love him, he's always been there for me," said Lonzo. "He just wants the best for his kids."
Of course, he couldn't get through his answer without LaVar intervening, but his father agreed with his assessment. "Here's the thing, we have a close relationship," said LaVar. "I know what he's about, he knows what I'm about."
If you listen to the right people, you might have already guessed this was the case. Despite all the media attention LaVar has received, there has been no indication he interfered with his son at UCLA, with coaches and teammates praising Lonzo for his impact on the program. Even if his dad is loud, Lonzo appears to be at peace with the dynamic of their relationship.
He better be, because LaVar still isn't backing down from some of his most controversial comments. Kimmel challenged the idea that LaVar could have beaten Michael Jordan in his prime—which the proud dad previously claimed—and he doubled down once again.
"He [was] too little, said LaVar. "If you're weighing 210 pounds, we're playing one-on-one—you know I'm undefeated 1-on-1, I don't ever lose 1-one-1—if he played me he would cry."
You can watch the full video up top, where the father and son both look happy to be alongside one another. If you're sick of seeing and hearing about LaVar, I've got some bad news for you—he's probably not going anywhere.
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