LaVar Ball blames Puma's 'raggedy' shoes, NBA training staffs for injuries to sons Lonzo, LaMelo Ball

Kyle Irving

LaVar Ball blames Puma's 'raggedy' shoes, NBA training staffs for injuries to sons Lonzo, LaMelo Ball image

It's been a while since we've heard from LaVar Ball, and his comeback quotes did not disappoint.

The father of NBA stars Lonzo and LaMelo has never been shy about speaking his mind, and he was all over the media when Lonzo got drafted by the Lakers back in 2017. He was less outspoken by the time LaMelo was drafted in 2020, but he was still a loud, proud dad of two NBA success stories.

Over the past few years, LaVar has dialed back his commentary even more as his sons grew up and their NBA careers unfolded.

A recent interview with CBS Sports' Bill Reiter has his name bubbling up once again, though.

MORE: Nikola Jokic vs. Victor Wembanyama is already the best show in the NBA

LaVar Ball blames Puma's shoes, NBA training staffs for LaMelo and Lonzo's injuries

The last time Lonzo played in an NBA game was Jan. 14, 2022. The oldest Ball brother suffered a meniscus injury that has spiraled into three separate knee surgeries, including a cartilage transplant, in the past two years as he attempts to get back on the court.

LaMelo was recently deemed out for the remainder of the 2023-24 season with an ankle injury — his third season-ending injury in four NBA campaigns.

To this point, Lonzo has missed 56 percent of available games in his career. LaMelo's bill of health isn't much cleaner, missing 44 percent of available games in his career.

In an interview with CBS Sports, LaVar believes he knows why his sons haven't been able to stay healthy.

"They say, 'Oh, LaVar, you worked the boys out too hard -- that's why they hurt,'" the father began.

"No, the reason they hurt is because they got away from me. And they start doing these roody-poo workouts. Because if you keep running them hills, you're going to keep that power and that strength. But you start dealing with these rubber bands and doing this lightweight stuff, of course you're going to start breaking down."

He went on to explain how he always had his boys running hills, "and running hard in them hills," before NBA training staffs stopped training his sons hard enough.

He also blamed LaMelo's signature shoe with Puma as a reason for his chronic ankle injuries.

"A lot of things have to do with them raggedy shoes that Melo be wearing," LaVar said.

"Them shoes are not made the right way for him. That's why he keeps tweaking his ankle every single time."

LaMelo Ball shoes

LaVar's comments on LaMelo's "raggedy" shoes have drawn interest in what his youngest son wears in NBA games.

After being selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, LaMelo signed a signature shoe deal with Puma that was reported to be worth $100 million.

Since then, LaMelo has released three versions of his signature shoe — the MB.01, MB.02, and, recently released last week, the MB.03.

You can find an example for each of LaMelo's signature shoes below.

MB.01

MB.02

MB.03

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.