LiAngelo Ball Eyes NBA G League Contract, Says He’s Drawn Interest Overseas

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IINovember 27, 2024

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LiAngelo Ball revealed on the Unapologetically Angel podcast with Angel Reese that he wants to get a call from the G League. However, in the interim, Ball also said he’s received offers from teams overseas.

The conversation begins at 11:17, after the Chicago Sky star and podcast host asked if Ball would play overseas again.

“I’ve been thinking about it, for real,” Ball said. “I want to get a call from the G League, just so I can open them doors up.”

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball then interrupted, saying that his younger brother isn’t going overseas.

Reese then said it would be “legendary” if the three of them could play on the same team. LiAngelo Ball then replied, saying that’s why he’s trying to go to the G League and open doors.

The 26-year-old Ball played for Prienai of the Lithuanian Basketball League during the 2017-18 season along with his younger brother, LaMelo Ball, now a superstar with the Charlotte Hornets. He later played 19 games for the Hornets’ G-League affiliate, the Greensboro Swarm, over the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.

Ball then played two games with Mexican professional team Astros de Jalisco in March 2024, but he suffered a left ankle injury that ended his campaign with them.

Brothers have played on the same NBA team in the past, including Franz and Moe Wagner of the Orlando Magic presently. A trio of brothers have played in the NBA at the same time. The Holidays (Jrue, Aaron and Justin) and Antetokounmpos (Giannis, Thanasis and Kostas) played in the same game. But no brother trio has ever played for the same team at the same time.

In theory, impending free agent Lonzo Ball would have to sign with the Hornets next offseason. LaMelo Ball is currently thriving in Charlotte on a long-term deal, averaging 31.0 points per game.

LiAngelo Ball would obviously have to find his way to the league. It’s been a tough road for him so far trying to make the NBA, although it’s clear his dream is still alive.

Perhaps he needs to ultimately take an overseas offer and prove himself before trying to make the G League. It looks like a long road, but it would be a great story if he’s able to climb that mountain and get this done. His unbridled enthusiasm for the idea is there, and now he has to execute the plan.