(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Whew! Lonzo Ball is setting the record straight after his family’s personal life became a hot topic online. Following days of speculation, the NBA star is speaking out to clear the air and share his perspective on a situation involving his parents, LaVar and Tina Ball, that has had social media talking.
During a recent appearance on ‘Ball in the Family Podcast,’ Lonzo Ball addressed his parents’ divorce after LaVar Ball previously revealed that he and Tina Ball had separated during an appearance on N3on’s YouTube channel. While LaVar didn’t explain what led to the split, Lonzo didn’t hold back, saying his mother “didn’t want to leave” and was “d*mn near forced to leave.” He also revealed that he personally helped Tina move out and said he’s glad she did.
Lonzo went on to shut down speculation that Tina left because of LaVar’s health, calling those claims “a myth.” Ball made it clear his parents’ separation had nothing to do with his dad losing his foot. Despite admitting his parents “don’t f*** with each other,” Lonzo said he loves them both and emphasized that they’re both doing well. Adding, “It didn’t work out, and it is what it is.“
Lonzo’s comments come just days after LaVar publicly confirmed that he and Tina Ball had ended their nearly 30-year marriage during an appearance on streamer N3on’s YouTube channel. At the time, LaVar shared that Tina chose to “go her own way” and insisted there was no bad blood between them, even revealing that he’s already seeing someone new.
He also reflected on Tina’s 2017 stroke and said her health never changed how he viewed her, calling her “beautiful” throughout her recovery. However, after online speculation suggested Tina left because of LaVar’s recent leg amputation due to diabetes complications, Lonzo decided to speak out, making it clear that narrative was false and that his parents’ separation stemmed from issues unrelated to his father’s health.
Fans also flooded the ‘Ball in the Family Podcast’ Instagram comment section after Lonzo’s remarks began making the rounds, and they didn’t hold back. Some praised Zo for speaking up and defending his mom, saying they were glad someone finally addressed the rumors head-on. Others, however, felt there was more to the story, with several commenters insisting that something “fishy” must have happened behind the scenes.
One Instagram user @el_wongies claimed, “You know damn well that as long as dip is in the league, Tina well always be taken care of financially that boy loves his mama as he should“
This Instagram user @babyscill444 added, ‘She did not leave him cuz he lost his foot’ ”
And, Instagram user @c0rey.st0ry said, “Respect. Bro had his mom back because you can tell by Tinas character she wouldve never told her side.“
Meanwhile, Instagram user @thebenefields wrote, “This is how it should be. [Boys] were raised right. Not picking sides and supporting both parents that helped them get to where they are. Love it“
While Instagram user @cooper_chirafisi joked, “Brotha cleared up nothing cmon Zo spill man ”
Lastly, Instagram user @anabellababii claimed, “I knew Tina didnt just leave. Sending love to your whole family for some healing. ”
Folks wasted no time taking the conversation to X, where they shared plenty of thoughts on the Ball family’s latest headlines. While many accused LaVar Ball of playing the victim, others claimed they noticed the way he trated Tina during the family’s reality show years ago and said the split didn’t completely surprise them. Meanwhile, plenty of users shifted their focus to Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo, saying they simply felt for the brothers as they watched their parents’ divorce play out so publicly.
Desjah is a staff writer at The Shade Room, covering pop culture, entertainment news, crime, and trending stories shaping today’s conversations.
