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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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On Thursday, the NBA landscape was shaken up with a major trade as the Charlotte Hornets sent LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves to pair up with superstar Anthony Edwards in the backcourt.
Following the big trade, LaMelo's father, LaVar Ball, released a new video, praising the Timberwolves for adding his son the roster. However, he also called on the team to add his other two sons, Lonzo and LiAngelo Ball.
"Minnesota Timberwolves, y'all did the coldest move in the game. You went and got that Melo, yes," LaVar said in the recent video. "But here's the thing, let me give you the recipe. You got to get the other two Ball boys. You get the other two Ball boys, it will be the most-watched team ever in the NBA, trust me when I tell you."
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"Melo can't win it by himself, but I tell you, with his brothers, I guarantee you a championship," he said. "I never taught my boys to play by themselves, but together you can't beat em'."
More news: NBA Insider Warns Teams About ‘Playing With Fire’ After LaMelo Ball Trade
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LaVar also called out baseball legend Alex Rodriguez, who is the team's co-owner and Alternate Governor, suggesting he's already a superstar and knows what to do.
"So go get them boys. You can get Lonzo for damn near nothing, and you can get Gelo for damn near nothing. Guess what? Coming off the bench, starting, team chemistry, morale in the locker room," he said in the rant. "If you want the championship, get them other two and I guarantee a championship."
Lonzo was the Los Angeles Lakers' big pick at No. 2 in the 2017 NBA Draft, but he never quite panned out to be the player some thought he would, with his dad among the biggest supporters and hype men. After his Lakers stint, he spent seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans and Chicago Bulls, achieving career highs in points and shooting percentages.
His last season came with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he appeared in 35 games, averaging just 4.6 points, four rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Lonzo was traded to the Utah Jazz this past February, then waived on the same day, so he's definitely available for the Timberwolves, but he's also missed two NBA seasons due to his recurring knee issues.
His brother, LiAngelo, hasn't played in an official NBA game, but the undrafted Ball brother was in the G League. He played for the Hornets' affiliated team, the Greensboro Swarm, from 2021 to 2023, but never appeared in any NBA games. In 2024, he joined the Mexican professional league team, the Astros de Jalisco.
While LaVar's enthusiasm is always entertaining to watch, it would be surprising to see the Timberwolves add his other sons, as they clearly have other players in their rotation who have shown their talents. With LiAngelo's lack of NBA experience and Lonzo's documented injury issues, it just wouldn't make much sense for their championship aspirations.
More news: Timberwolves Land LaMelo Ball to Pair With Anthony Edwards in Trade: Report
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