Lonzo Ball

Lonzo Ball Believes That Big Baller Brand Sneakers May Have Contributed To Leg Injuries

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Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball finally returned to an NBA court this season. He missed two full seasons with a litany of leg injuries and surgeries. Ball has not yet been quite as dynamic as he was before the injuries. He also missed a month of action after an unrelated wrist injury kept him out of the lineup for 15 games. But, once he gets back into game shape, he will be a valuable contributor to an NBA team. Whether that’s in Chicago or on a contending roster looking for the piece that can make them a championship-winning team.

On Thursday, ESPN published an extensive piece detailing Lonzo Ball’s 1000-day road to recovery. For the first time, Ball spoke at length about the effect that playing in the Big Baller Brand sneakers had on his body. He compared the first version of the sneakers to “kickball shoes.” He only played in them twice during Summer League games. The second version of the shoe, which was manufactured by Skechers, were better. But Ball was still not a fan. His first major knee injury came in January 2018, when he wore the shoes as a rookie. “I think it’s a possibility for sure, to be honest with you,” Ball said when asked if the Big Baller Brand shoes contributed to his knee problems. “I wasn’t really getting hurt like that until I started wearing them.” The injuries and surgeries piled up until Ball opted for a cartilage replacement surgery, an unknown procedure in the athletics world. This meant that there would be no precedent to look to. It worked, and now Ball is back to doing what he loves.

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Lonzo Ball Believes Big Baller Brand Sneakers May Have Contributed To Injury History

NBA fans will recognize “Big Baller Brand” as the basketball apparel brand that the once-ubiquitous LaVar Ball started while his sons were still playing at the amateur level. BBB existed to compete with other major brands and to separate the Ball brothers from the rest of the NBA. The ZO2s, which launched concurrently with BBB itself, first hit the market with a staggering $500 price tag. Ball previously recalled the sneakers being so poorly made that he’d have to change into a new pair every quarter because of how easily they ripped.

In the new ESPN profile, Lonzo Ball also recalled wanting to sign with Adidas in high school. He decided to bet on the success of Big Baller Brand instead. Though the brand still exists, Ball plays his NBA games in Nikes now. However, he has not signed an exclusive contract anywhere. In 2020, his younger brother LaMelo inked a nine-figure deal to become the face of Puma’s re-entry into the basketball market (under the creative direction of Jay-Z). Hopefully, the rest of Lonzo’s NBA journey is without any significant injury.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Lonzo Ball Returns to NBA After 1,006 Days, Helps Bulls Defeat Timberwolves

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After a 33-month absence, Lonzo Ball made his much-anticipated return to the NBA on Wednesday night, checking into his first game since January 14, 2022.

Ball, who spent the last 2.5 seasons rehabbing a severe left knee injury requiring three surgeries, including meniscus and cartilage replacements, was greeted with a standing ovation from the Chicago crowd and his teammates.

Once on the floor, Ball wasted no time making an impact. Just 43 seconds into his return, he sank his first shot, igniting the fans and showcasing his rhythm intact. Despite being on a 16-minute restriction, Ball finished with 10 points, one assist, one rebound, one block, and one steal, contributing to the Chicago Bulls’ 125-123 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Coby White led the Bulls with 23 points, while Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert scored 16 and 13 points for the Timberwolves.

Reflecting on his return, Ball said, “It felt a lot better playing than watching, I’ll tell you that much. I can’t really put into words how it felt to be out there … It was definitely a moment that I’ll never forget.”

Ball shot an efficient 4-of-6 from the field and 2-of-4 from three-point range, showing no signs of rust despite his long absence from the game.

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Lonzo Ball Finally Gives Chicago Bulls Fans Something To Cheer About

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Lonzo Ball has been dealing with a debilitating knee injury for quite some time now. Overall, it is an injury that forced him to take an extended break from the game of basketball. We haven’t seen him on the court in over 900 days, which is truly sad when you stop and think about it. He has gone through multiple surgeries and even had to go and get a cartilage transplant done. It just goes to show that his injury was more than just a simple tweak.

Despite all of this, Ball has been working hard to get himself back in a position where he can be serviceable out on the basketball court. It’s been a long road, but it seems like he is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. We know this because TMZ recently caught up with the Chicago Bulls star at the airport. The outlet asked him about his future and whether or not he will get to play this season. Luckily for Bulls fans, he gave an answer that is definitely going to inspire some hope.

Read More: Angel Reese Gets Ejected For No Good Reason, Lonzo Ball Offers To Pay Her Fine

Lonzo Ball With Some Good News

He notes that he will be on the court soon, although he is not putting a date on it just yet. At this stage, fans would love to see him on the court by opening night, although that might be too ambitious right now. Either way, it does seem like we should be getting good news on Lonzo, very soon. If you are a Bulls fan, you have to feel at least a bit more excited about the season knowing Zo is returning. However, with DeMar DeRozan gone, there is no telling whether or not the team can be competitive.

Let us know if you believe that Lonzo Ball is in for a huge season, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that he can get back to his old self? Or do you think that his recent knee injury is simply too much to come back from? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the basketball world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of the biggest athletes out there.

Read More: Lonzo Ball Shockingly Reveals That He Had A Meniscus Donated To Him

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Angel Reese Gets Ejected For No Good Reason, Lonzo Ball Offers To Pay Her Fine

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The New York Liberty took home an 88-75 win over the Chicago Sky on Tuesday night, but the major talking point around the game was Angel Reese. In the closing minutes, with the Liberty solidly in charge, Sky rookie Angel Reese got two fast technical fouls for her first expulsion from a WNBA game. The expulsion took happened with New York leading 82-71 and 2:31 remaining. Reese first got a call against her for a personal foul while pushing for a rebound. Two further technical whistles swiftly followed, and Reese had been dismissed from the game. The ejection happened so fast that the broadcast team thought it was another player who had been ejected. 

Upon reviewing the footage, it becomes clear that the sequence of events leading to Reese’s ejection was missed by the live broadcast. Referee Charles Watson initially called a personal foul against Reese. In response, Reese briefly objected, then turned her back on Watson with a dismissive hand wave. Watson, in turn, responded with two technical fouls and an overhead toss motion, indicating that Reese was no longer permitted to play. Many fans have criticized the ejection as weak and unnecessary. Notably, NBA star Lonzo Ball expressed his support for Reese, calling the referee who issued the technical fouls “weak.”

Read More: Angel Reese Says The Reason For The WNBA’s Surge In Popularity Is More Than Just Caitlin Clark

Angel Reese Ejected, Lonzo Ball Sends Support

Following the ejection, Watson continued to walk to the opposite side of the court. Angel Reese and her Sky teammates stood, stunned by the turn of events. The exact words Reese said are unclear, but it was evident that they had a significant impact on Watson. Play then resumed, and New York held on for the victory. Reese’s final stats for the game included 13 points, 10 rebounds, and two technical fouls. Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon, in a post-game interview, revealed that the officials did not provide any explanation for Reese’s ejection. “I tried to get an explanation. I did not,” Weatherspoon said. She concluded, “I don’t know to this moment what has happened.”

Lonzo Ball was one of the vocal spectators who did not like the technicals. He said of the ref, “Ref that threw out [Angel Reese] is weak btw…You know who you are (Keep ya money Angel i got you.” Lonzo Ball has offered to pay her fine for what seems like a massive overreaction from the official. Overall, Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky continue to make headlines. She is, after all, one of the biggest reasons that interest in the WNBA has increased this season. 

Read More: Bob Costas Believes Angel Reese & Alyssa Thomas Situation Didn’t Get As Much Coverage Because It Was A “Black On Black Incident”

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Lonzo Ball Shockingly Reveals That He Had A Meniscus Donated To Him

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After being selected second overall in the 2017 draft, Lonzo Ball has struggled with injuries and has fallen short of expectations. The Chicago Bulls have suffered serious setbacks as a result of his absence. He suffered from a meniscus injury that occurred in January 2022. Ball recently was seen practicing his dunking, suggesting a possible return given his 70% health claim. For the previous two seasons, Lonzo Ball has been unable to play for the Chicago Bulls. He still wants to be involved in the team’s 2024–2025 ambitions, though.

Ball exercised his $21.4 million player option for the next year, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Chicago is still unsure about Ball’s ability to play despite the decision because his left knee has had three operations in the last two years. Following a ruptured meniscus in January 2022, he underwent a cartilage transplant treatment in March 2023 for his knee. On a recent podcast appearance, the eldest Ball brother revealed that he has a meniscus donated to him.

Read More: Lonzo Ball Reportedly “Can’t Sprint,” Fans Say It Validates Stephen A. Smith

Lonzo Reveals Someone Donated A Meniscus To Him

Lonzo Ball revealed on his podcast appearance that he had gotten a meniscus donated. He went through his injury history, detailing the timeline and injury specifics. Ball says it started when he tore his meniscus when he was on the Lakers. he then said he tore it a couple more times to the point where all the cartridge was gone, and his knee was rubbing bone on bone. He said, “I had to get new meniscus from a donor, I had to get a bone allograft and I had to get some new cartilage put in as well.” Lonzo’s injury problems have been an NBA mystery. Now it seems like, hopefully, Lonzo and his medical team have finally found the problem and that it will allow him to return to the court.

Bulls president of basketball operations Artūras Karnišovas said after the team’s season ended, “We’re just going to wait and see his progression the next couple of months.” He continued, “He’s progressing well. Everything is looking good with no setbacks. So we’ll see where he’s at in a couple of months.” Bulls fans will be static if Lonzo Ball is finally able to return to the court. When he was healthy, the Bulls were one of the best teams in the East. Overall, with the emergence of Coby White and vets like Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls will look to make moves next season. Nevertheless, there are not many cases where a player gets a meniscus replacement and returns to their former self.

Read More: LaVar Ball Deducts “Raggedy Shoes” & “Rooty-Toot Workouts” Are Why LaMelo & Lonzo Continue To Sustain Injuries

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Lonzo Ball & LaMelo Ball Show Off New Big Baller Brand Shoe

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Lonzo Ball and LaMelo Ball are two brothers who have had a chokehold on NBA discourse. Overall, Lonzo was the first to make it to the league, while LaMelo was technically the second. Although LiAngelo tried to make it, he wasn’t able to reach that next level in the end. That said, things have gone sour for Lonzo due to his knee injury. Things have not progressed for him, and he is staring down a second full season missed. As for LaMelo, he wants to finally make the playoffs in Charlotte.

Meanwhile, their father LaVar has tried to continue the Big Baller Brand legacy. Overall, this is a brand that has suffered a bit in the past. It is not as big as it once was, and they have had to deal with some fallingouts. However, LaVar is looking to make it bigger than ever. He is coming through with an array of new products, and fans continue to show love. In fact, it seems as though his sons are helping him relaunch the brand, even if they already have endorsement deals of their own.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Goes Scorched Earth On Lonzo Ball: Watch

Lonzo Ball x LaMelo

Above, you can see that Lonzo Ball and LaMelo Ball are helping their dad with his new sneakers. Both of them can be seen wearing different colorways that will definitely turn some heads. However, some fans couldn’t help but notice that the shoe closely resembles a past Yeezy model. After all, Yeezys are extremely popular, and if you can mimic a shoe that people like, you’re bound to get some sales. That said, these are definitely not for playing basketball. Some would even liken them to a slipper of sorts.

It remains to be seen when these are going to drop. Hopefully, we get more glimpses at them very soon. Let us know how you feel about these kicks, down in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sneaker world. We will always keep you informed of the biggest releases from the biggest brands.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Claims Lonzo Ball’s Doctors Are His Sources

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Stephen A. Smith Will Not Face Punishment From ESPN For Alleged HIPAA Violation

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On August 21, Stephen A. Smith commented on Lonzo Ball’s meniscus injury during an episode of First Take on ESPN. Smith claimed that a source had told him that Ball was struggling to sit down and stand up. Ball responded, showing his ability to stand and sit up while asking Smith who his sources were. Smith, shockingly, responded on The Stephen A. Smith Show, revealing that Ball’s doctors had given him the information.

This was seemingly confirmation that Smith had committed a HIPAA violation. HIPAA is legislation that regulates how private medical information is used. In fact, in Smith’s case – the burning of his source revealed two such violations. The first was Ball’s medical team divulging private medical information to Smith. The second was Smith broadcasting that information on national television. However, according to ESPN, Smith won’t face reprimand for this serious breach of journalistic ethics.

Read More: Stephen A. defends $3000 basketball camp…by saying he does a lot of work for HBCUs?

ESPN Distances Themselves From Smith Controversy

“We don’t have anything to add from the ESPN side here. His podcast is separate from his ESPN role,” an ESPN spokesperson told HotNewHipHop on August 24. From this, it’s clear that ESPN‘s view is that any comments Smith makes on The Stephen A. Smith Show are not to be conflated with his role at the network. Thusly, Smith seemingly admitting to violating HIPAA should not be reflected in his relationship with ESPN.

Except, the information was first revealed to the public on an ESPN product. The entire debacle originated with Smith making these claims on First Take, his primary role with ESPN. However, regardless of whether Smith violated HIPAA, decision to a) burn a source and b) double down when presented with information that debunked your claims, is just the latest drop in a bucket of major Ls that Smith has taken of late. Ball and Smith are yet to respond to either Smith’s comments or the allegations of violating medical legislation. This remains a developing story and we’ll have any updates as and when they emerge.

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Stephen A. Smith Claims Lonzo Ball’s Doctors Are His Sources

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A beef has erupted between injured Chicago Bulls star Lonzo Ball and ESPN pundit Stephen A. Smith. It all began earlier this week when Smith said on First Take that a source had told him that Ball was having difficulty sitting and standing. Ball, who will miss the 2023/24 NBA season, is continuing to rehab from a torn meniscus suffered in January 2022. In response to Smith, Ball posted a video on social media, asking Smith who his sources were as he showed that he could indeed sit and stand with minimal effort.

Instead of taking the L, Smith decided to double down. “You really going to sit poolside on the bench and think because you getting up and sitting down… that makes you healthy? … Bro, you ain’t healthy,” Smith said on First Take. Smith then proceeded to further address the issue on The Stephen A. Smith Show and may have inadvertently admitted to serious journalistic malpractice in the process.

Read More: Stephen A. defends $3000 basketball camp…by saying he does a lot of work for HBCUs?

Smith Claims Source Is A HIPAA Violation

“Would you like me to tell you the names of the doctors that operated on you? I know the actual doctors…..if I said it it’s because someone close to you told me,” Smith claimed during a two-minute about Ball’s comments. Now if Smith wasn’t ESPN‘s biggest revenue stream, this two-minute clip would have just ended his career. What Smith has done here is admit, or at least claim, that his source on Lonzo Ball’s injury is the Ball’s medical team. That’s a HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) violation. HIPAA regulates how your personal medical information is handled by healthcare providers and insurance companies. One of the things that the legislation protects against is medical professionals disclosing your medical information without your consent. If Smith is telling the truth, someone on Ball’s medical team illegally gave that information to Smith.

But the buck doesn’t stop there. Smith, who has been a journalist and broadcast since before HIPAA even existed, should know better than this. This is not information that you disclose. As mentioned, this would end the career of a lesser journalist. Of course, it’s not like ESPN is going to fire or punish Smith, especially after losing out on Shannon Sharpe. But somehow, Smith found a way to turn his L from earlier in the day into an even bigger L. Ball and ESPN are yet to respond to this frankly shocking revelation from a seasoned journalist who absolutely should know better.

Read More: Stephen A. tries to walk back tweet calling Kim Kardashian a “prostitute”

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Stephen A. Smith Goes Scorched Earth On Lonzo Ball: Watch

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Stephen A. Smith is someone who never backs down on his positions, even if they aren’t good ones. You could prove Smith wrong one million times and he still won’t back down. Overall, a lot of fans love this side of him. However, there are just as many people out there who cannot stand when he does this. Ultimately, he is a very polarizing person, and ESPN likes it this way. It means they will always have a steady stream of viewers, whether from haters or fans.

Recently, Smith found himself at odds with Lonzo Ball. In a recent report, he claimed that Lonzo was having trouble getting in and out of chairs. Subsequently, Lonzo took to social media and showcased himself getting up and out of his seat near a pool. This video immediately went viral, and it put Smith’s integrity into question. Today, on First Take, Smith went to defend himself, and as you can imagine, he had a whole lot to say.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Calls Taylor Swift “The Best Concert” Of His Life

Stephen A. Claps Back

“You really going to sit poolside on the bench and think because you getting up and sitting down… that makes you healthy? … Bro, you ain’t healthy,” Smith ranted. Overall, this was easily one of Smith’s more disrespectful rants. He clearly felt embarrassed by Lonzo’s video, and he responded as such. Many fans claimed that his response lacked tact and was utterly disrespectful. Even for Stephen A., this whole thing felt pretty low and beneath him.

Lonzo’s Video

Moreover, the public perception of Lonzo is overwhelmingly positive these days. The fans want to see him back in the league as he is turning into a truly dynamic player. Let us know what you thought of Stephen A.’s response, in the comments section. You can also watch Lonzo’s video, below. Stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sports world. We will always keep you informed of the biggest news involving the biggest athletes.

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Slams Reports “Confirming” Shannon Sharpe Joining “First Take”

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Lonzo Ball Debunks Stephen A. Smith’s Claims With Powerful Video

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Lonzo Ball will remain sidelined for the 2023-24 season as he continues to rehab from a torn meniscus he suffered way back in January 2022. It will be the second consecutive season Ball has missed and no one is feeling the weight of that more than Ball himself. In a recent appearance on the From The Point podcast, Ball said he felt bad for the Bulls as they had built the “perfect team” around him before he went down with injury.

With the NBA season around two months away, Ball’s name popped up on First Take as the panel discussed his podcast appearance. “I don’t think he’ll ever be the same… I’ve heard that it’s even hard for him to get up from the sitting position… I’m really, really sad for him,” lamented Stephen A. Smith. While it seemed like a sincere expression of solidarity with Ball, it was not received as such by the injured player. And so Ball took to social media to clap back at the veteran broadcaster.

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Balls Tells Smith To “Stop Yapping”

“Who are your sources, bro? Please, tell me who your sources are,” Ball began his response video, in which he could be seen doing one-leg squats with his injured leg. “Come on man. Come on, man. You got to stop yapping,” Ball continued. “And I actually like you, man! I don’t know you like that but I like you! I’m coming back, man. Come on!” More than anything, the post appears to be more for Ball than Smith. It’s proof that he’s not the injured husk that he has been portrayed as by the media. He is recovering, and he will be back. However, he’s also not the only one calling out Smith this week.

After it was reported that Stefon Diggs had missed the first day of the Bills’ mandatory minicamp, Smith claimed he had sources saying that the wide receiver wanted out of Buffalo. Later that same day, Diggs vehemently rejected any notion that he didn’t want to be in Buffalo. “100% not true. I don’t know who the source 😒 is but I thought i nip this shit in the bud already. Rocking wit my dawgs… Bills mafia ❤💙 through and through !!!,” Diggs said in a pair of tweets. Looks like Smith and his team might need to vet their info a little better.

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