LaVar Ball has been one of the most controversial and polarizing figures in sports over the last two years or so. However, lately, we haven't heard as much from Ball, and that might be because of Magic Johnson.
Former ESPN reporter John Goodman covered LaVar and his sons LiAngelo and LaMelo in Lithuania, which was when LaVar made harsh comments about Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton.
Afterward, LaVar cut off Goodman from his circle, and Goodman later apologized for even covering the Ball family to begin with. But here's the catch: LaVar didn't have any issue with Goodman's reporting until an angry phone call was made by Johnson to Big Baller Brand director Alan Foster.
Goodman detailed what happened on The Ringer's Shining Podcast:
I ran the story. Alan comes in, and Alan is his business guy. Like, he does everything for him. He comes in and he says ‘LaVar, what the hell are you doing? Why are you saying that stuff? Magic just called me and he’s pissed off. Why would you do that?’ And LaVar looked at him and (Alan) says ‘You have to get the boys playing on the Lakers. Why would you do that?’
Goodman added that by criticizing Walton, LaVar destroyed any chance LiAngelo had of playing alongside his brother, Lonzo, in Los Angeles, and even though LaMelo is more talented, it severely damaged his chances, as well.
So, now, maybe we know the reason as to why LaVar has been so quiet recently.
Lonzo has looked impressive in moments during his second year with the Lakers, averaging 8.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists over 28.5 minutes per game. He is still struggling with his shot (he is shooting just 38.1 percent), and his minus-5.9 net rating doesn't look too promising, but he has had moments where you can see his potential as a floor general.
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