Lavar Ball recently announced that he’s starting his own league in order for talented players leaving high school to have other venues besides the modern day slavery, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).  When he said he was his creating his own shoe company to go against the big dogs when they couldn’t meet his demands, many people thought it was a prank.

If you’re against this guy any way, shape or form, it could be that the joke is on you.  The amount of free publicity and attention he’s received to become a household name, many big corporations aren’t engaging enough to do so without spending hundreds of millions on marketing and advertisement.  ESPN estimated that the hype he has created is worth about $50 million or more in advertising.  Whether you like or dislike him, it’s safe to assume that you’re tuned in to hear what he has to say whenever the camera is on him.

Instead of criticizing, these are some lessons to appreciate from the Revolutionary Man.

1. Legacy:  Some will argue his style is eccentric.  But Lavar is clearly building for the future of his kids and grandchildren.  With his Big Baller Brand and his new reality show, the average person with a smart phone has heard of him.  He’s been his sons’ number one fan since day one and had a major role in their successes as top high school players.

2. Boldness:  This didn’t just happen overnight.  He had a plan from the beginning with his wife to have sons that will play in the NBA and play for the Lakers.  He spoke it into fruition.  Most oncoming players to the NBA (National Basketball Association) are glad to accept endorsement contracts for a few years’ worth tens of millions of dollars.  The Ball family wanted at least $1 billion in order to secure a deal from one of the big shoe companies.

3. Entertain:  Lots of people watch sports for entertainment as athletes showcase their talents.  Let’s face it, it’s just a game at the end of the day and there are more serious things in the world.  Lavar is just as amusing without having to step on the court.  He uttered audacious claims including being adamant that he could beat Jordan one on one.  Whether this statement is true or not does not diminish the attention it garnered.  It kept him, his brand and products relevant by staying in the limelight.  He also trended on social media platforms and became a topic of conversation in most stations.

4. True to self:  When Prez. Trump demanded Lavar thank him for allegedly having a part in his son’s release from China’s detainment, he stood his ground and didn’t budge.  This is contrary to how other celebrities would of salivated for the opportunity to get in good graces with the one residing in the white house.

5. Promote:  Just because you have a high quality product does not mean everyone will know about it.  You have to get out there and let the world know.  Lonzo, Lavar’s first son was one of the top college players and no doubt would have been one of the top picks in the draft without his father’s promotion.  He was the 2^nd pick in the draft and unless you’re a hardcore basketball fan, you couldn’t name without googling who the 1^st pick was.

As for how great the Lakers and Lonzo will be as a basketball player, it’s still too early to judge.  There are lots of players who had slow starts and ended up in the hall of fame.  The team is young, exciting to watch and seem to have a promising future. 

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