Ball Brothers Ball Out

By Andrew Xie April 2, 2025

In the vibrant world of sports, where hip-hop and sporting culture intertwine, a new music phenomenon is rising, playing in locker rooms and arenas alike. LiAngelo Ball’s “Tweaker,” released on Jan. 3, has become an undeniable presence in the sporting world, featuring at NBA All-Star weekend to NFL matchups like the Lions versus the Commanders. 

The song’s rapid ascent began in late December of last year, when LiAngelo previewed a snippet of it during a Kick live stream. The snippet immediately blew up, playing on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Upon official release, “Tweaker” quickly climbed the charts, debuting at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100.  

“LiAngelo’s recent hit song has recently become an unavoidable part of my daily TikTok feed, with the song being played in the background every few scrolls,” Freshman Arman Ciriaco said. 

This musical success has cast a fresh spotlight on the Ball family, a familiar name for many basketball fans. The Ball family's prominence began when the three brothers played together on the Chino Hills basketball team, . There, they captivated national attention with their high-octane playing style, ending the season 35-0 and captivating national attention as athe nation's top-ranked team. Their popularity led to the reality TV show “Ball in the Family,” which offered fans an intimate glimpse into their lives and status in the sporting world. Patriarch LaVar Ball, former NFL player turned media personality, is widely known for his bold public proclamations—stating on ESPN he could easily beat Michael Jordan one-on-one—and ownership of Big Baller Brand, an athletic attire brand. His goal for his three sons—Lonzo, LiAngelo and LaMelo—has long been to get all three into the NBA. 

“LaVar is incredible and deserves every ounce of his fame. His legacy continues with his three sons, as he raised them to be stars,”  Senior Khai Chen said.

Lonzo, the eldest, was the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, showcasing promise with teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, but. However, his injuries have limited his time on the court. On the other hand, LaMelo Ball, the youngest, has emerged as a star player for the Charlotte Hornets. In sharp contrast to Lamelo’s success, LiAngelo has yet to make his NBA debut and has bounced around teams in the G League—the NBA’s minor league—before transitioning into music. Despite grand expectations for him in the NBA, LiAngelo’s NBA career derailed due to many controversies, with the most notable being in November 2017 when LiAngelo and two of his UCLA teammates were arrested in China for shoplifting. 

Capitalizing on “Tweaker”’s momentum, LiAngelo, now performing under the stage name G3, secured a lucrative record deal with Music Labels Def Jam and Universal Music Group, reportedly worth up to $13 million. This agreement grants him full ownership of his music and his record label, Born2Ball Music Group, signaling a significant shift from his athletic endeavors to a burgeoning music career. Even with his recent right foot amputation, Lavar remains in good spirits.

LaVar Ball, never one to shy away from the spotlight, has been supportive of LiAngelo's musical pursuits. He often promotes his son's music on TikTok through cameos with the same enthusiasm he once brought to his basketball career. 

Looking ahead, LiAngelo's music career appears promising with the backing of a major label and a growing fanbase. So, Lonzo remains a respected figure in the league as one of the most electric young talents for the Hornets, playing consistent minutes and looking to make a comeback. 

The Ball family's journey exemplifies adaptability and resilience. From dominating high school basketball courts to navigating professional sports and now the music industry, they continue to evolve, capturing the public's attention with each endeavor. 

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