LiAngelo Ball

LiAngelo Ball: From Basketball Prodigy to Music Sensation

Early Life and Family Background

LiAngelo Robert Ball was born on November 24, 1998, in Anaheim, California. He is the middle son of LaVar and Tina Ball, both former collegiate basketball players. Growing up in a basketball-centric family, LiAngelo, along with his brothers Lonzo and LaMelo, was immersed in the sport from a young age. The trio gained national attention while playing together at Chino Hills High School in California, where they led their team to a perfect 35–0 record and a state championship in 2016. LiAngelo's junior year saw him average 27.4 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess. 

Collegiate Challenges and International Ventures

In 2017, LiAngelo committed to play college basketball at UCLA. However, his collegiate career was derailed before it began due to a shoplifting incident in China, leading to an indefinite suspension from the team. Subsequently, he withdrew from UCLA and pursued professional opportunities overseas. LiAngelo signed with BC Prienai in Lithuania in 2018, where he played alongside his younger brother, LaMelo. Later that year, he joined the Los Angeles Ballers in the Junior Basketball Association (JBA), a league founded by his father, LaVar Ball. There, he led the team to a championship and was named the Finals MVP. 

Professional Basketball Career

Despite going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft, LiAngelo continued to pursue his basketball aspirations. He had brief stints with the Oklahoma City Blue and the Greensboro Swarm in the NBA G League. In 2020, he signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Detroit Pistons but was waived before the season commenced. In 2024, LiAngelo joined the Astros de Jalisco in Mexico's CIBACOPA league but played only two games before a ligament injury sidelined him. 

Transition to Music Career

In 2025, LiAngelo, under the stage name G3, ventured into the music industry with his debut single "Tweaker." The track gained viral success, amassing over 52 million streams on Spotify and leading to a remix featuring Lil Wayne. This musical breakthrough resulted in a lucrative record deal with Def Jam Recordings, reportedly worth up to $13 million. LiAngelo's transition from basketball to music marked a significant shift in his career trajectory. 

Personal Life

LiAngelo's personal life has also been in the spotlight. In April 2023, he and reality television personality Nikki Mudarris announced they were expecting their first child. Their son, LaVelo Anthony Ball, was born on July 19, 2023, followed by their daughter, LaNiyah Nicole Ball, on December 3, 2024. However, the couple reportedly ended their relationship in early 2025. 

LiAngelo Ball's journey from a promising basketball talent to a rising music artist illustrates his resilience and adaptability. While his path diverged from the traditional route taken by his brothers, LiAngelo has carved out his own niche, demonstrating that success can be achieved through various avenues.