Nike, More Pass on Lonzo Ball After Father LaVar Asks for Big Baller Licensing

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2706355-nike-more-pass-on-lonzo-ball-after-father-lavar-asks-for-big-baller-licensing



Nike, More Pass on Lonzo Ball After Father LaVar Asks for Big Baller Licensing



MIKE CHIARI



APRIL 28, 2017





MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 24: Lonzo Ball #2 of the UCLA Bruins brings the ball up court in the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats during the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at FedExForum on March 24, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Andy Lyons/Getty Images




Nike, Under Armour and Adidas have all passed on endorsing NBA draft prospect Lonzo Ball, reportedly due to LaVar Ball's efforts to include the licensing of Big Baller Brand.

According to ESPN.com's Darren Rovell, Ball's father and sources within the three companies confirmed that Nike, Under Armour and Adidas declined to offer his son a deal.

LaVar Ball commented on the matter and his desire to shake up the manner in which shoe and apparel deals are struck, per Rovell: "We've said from the beginning, we aren't looking for an endorsement deal. We're looking for co-branding, a true partner. But they're not ready for that because they're not used to that model. But hey, the taxi industry wasn't ready for Uber, either."


The elder Ball, who presented the three companies with a shoe prototype for Lonzo, expressed his belief that a partnership could help maximize profits: "Just imagine how rich Tiger [Woods], Kobe [Bryant], Serena [Williams], [Michael] Jordan and LeBron [James] would have been if they dared to do their own thing. No one owned their own brand before they turned pro. We do, and I have three sons so it's that much more valuable."


According to Michael Smith of SportsBusiness Journal, Nike executive George Raveling recently called LaVar "the worst thing to happen to basketball in the last 100 years."

Lonzo spent one season at UCLA, averaging 14.6 points, 7.6 assists and 6.0 rebounds per game.

He is considered to be among the top prospects in the 2017 NBA draft and is likely in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick along with Washington's Markelle Fultz and Kansas' Josh Jackson.

In his latest NBA mock draft, ESPN's Chad Ford projected Ball to be taken No. 2 overall by the Phoenix Suns.




bob



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Co-branding? No company is going to want to go there. Especially given the costs to bring a product to market, and the uncertainty of a player's career. It's a ridiculous request.

As usual, LaVar is asking for more than he can or wants to give.

The guy is entertaining. Very entertaining.

NYCelt wrote:Co-branding?  No company is going to want to go there.  Especially given the costs to bring a product to market, and the uncertainty of a player's career.  It's a ridiculous request.

As usual, LaVar is asking for more than he can or wants to give.

The guy is entertaining.  Very entertaining.

NYCelt,

Unless you draft one of his sons, then his entertainment value will get old real fast.


bob


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This guy is one piece of work! I feel sorry for his boys, imagine being dominated by such a self absorbed father. He is in it for himself, never mind his boys. How long before they rebel? Or are they that brainwashed.

I know there have been interviews with GM's around the NBA as to whether it would be too big a project handling a father like this when it is the kid they are paying, Stay clear of this one, what a trip it would be dealing with hi

I dnt think ive ever said this about a draft pick, but please god, don't let us pick this guy. I'd rather Danny keep Boston's pick this year and let Brooklyn stay in the lotto themselves then listen to this guys idiot father for the next decade and a half..

actually, I think its too late for that, all the NBA is. Raveling was most likely 100% on target. There is a disturbance in the force and I sense nothing coming from this that is positive.

Kristina Leahy @KristineLeahy
6 hours ago
LaVar has to think like a mogul to be one. Nike, Adidas & UA all play to men AND women. I'd never wear a shirt that says Big Baller Brand.
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bob
MY NOTE: Good point. Maybe he's not as smart as he thinks he is.


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Bob and cow.

That "entertaining" was not meant to be interpreted as good.

Regards

Talent usually trumps baggage.

Ball will go near the top, and his team will hope dad eventually pipes down, a la LeBron's mother.