The Big Baller Brand has once again taken center stage in the media after Los Angeles Lakers rookie Lonzo Ball decided to wear some Kobe A.D. shoes in Wednesday's Summer League game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

This has put forth several questions about what the 19-year-old's long-term future with the company his father, LaVar Ball, has created. According to Darren Rovell of ESPN, LaVar has quickly shot down the notion that his son is talking to Nike about a potential deal.

“No negotiations with Nike,” LaVar told ESPN over text.

LaVar also went to the extent of clarifying that his son can wear whatever shoe he wants because “this is what being independent is all about.”

Related NewsArticle continues below
Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers rumors: Rui Hachimura trade ‘more likely than not,’ with a catch
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and center Brook Lopez (11) and guard Damian Lillard (0) on the court during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena
NBA rumors: Exec makes Lakers quip about Bucks star, but it’s not Giannis

It only further backs his son's comments following Wednesday's game where he stated that he since he is with Big Baller Brand, he can sport whatever he desires in terms of shoe wear during the game or even practice.

Ball's decision to not wear his own shoe, ZO2, also caught the attention of LeBron James, who was in attendance at Wednesday's game, prompting the Cleveland Cavaliers superstar to chime in with his own take on the situation. James is one of the most prominent spokesmen for the company given that he has a lifetime deal with Nike.
Ultimately, the vast promotion that LaVar has given to his company and his son's first shoe over the last several months will continue to make his choice of footwear at every game a topic of conversation on any given night.