You remember LaVar Ball. The outspoken father of three talented basketball stars – and a now-stumbling Big Ballers Brand company – hosted hundreds of people for a draft-night party on Wednesday to celebrate son LaMelo’s No. 3 overall selection in the NBA Draft.
Through coincidence, LaMelo was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets – owned by Michael Jordan.
You remember Michael Jordan.
The six-time NBA champ was the subject of a crazy challenge. LaVar told USA Today in 2017 that he “would kill” Jordan in a one-on-one game in his prime. LaVar averaged 2.2 points while playing at Washington State.
How about now?
At a news conference Friday, LaMelo said, “I don’t think it’s going to happen.
“And I think we know how it would turn out, to be honest,” LaMelo said with a smile. Asked to elaborate, he replied, “Well, I mean it is my pops and my boss, so I’m on both sides now.”
Dad addressed the subject briefly at his draft-night party, according to Tim Keown’s ESPN story.
LaVar wants to keep the idea alive and believes a game against Jordan would draw a wide audience. Perhaps a pay-per-view battle, such as Mike Tyson’s upcoming boxing match against Roy Jones Jr.
“Hey, if people are willing to pay to see 50-year-old Mike Tyson fight, why not?” LaVar said, per Keown.
Jordan did not address this week’s comments, though he has said, “I don’t think he could beat me if I was one-legged.”
To LaVar’s credit, he did predict that all three of his sons would play basketball professionally.
Lonzo, the 2017 No. 2 overall pick by the Lakers, is the starting point guard for the New Orleans Pelicans. LiAngelo played last season in the G League for Oklahoma City and is eyeing a free-agent contract.
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