Steve Kerr says LaVar Ball’s ‘outlandish’ remarks not helping sons
LaVar Ball has created headline after headline in recent weeks by bragging about himself and his sons, and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr does not think the constant remarks are doing anything to help the three young basketball stars.
In an appearance on ESPN 1000 in Chicago’s Waddle & Silvy Show, Kerr said Thursday he believes Ball is creating unnecessary distractions for his sons.
“The fact that everybody keeps talking about him, he seems to be accomplishing whatever he’s trying to accomplish, because the things he says are so outlandish,” Kerr said. “But he keeps getting headlines, and I guess that’s what he wants.
“I don’t think it’s helping his kids. I think it’d be better for them if they can just play and have fun and not have to hear that every day, but whatever. It’s all part of him.”
Ball’s oldest son Lonzo is a star at UCLA and a top NBA prospect. His younger sons, LiAngelo and LaMelo, are standout high school players. LaVar first made headlines last month when he claimed Lonzo is already a better player than Stephen Curry, and he has kept himself in the news ever since.
Lonzo, who is preparing to lead the Bruins in the NCAA Tournament, said Thursday that his father has “been like that my whole life” and is “never going to change for the cameras.” UCLA coach Steve Alford insists LaVar’s comments have not been a distraction for Lonzo.
“It’s been no distraction to us and a lot of that has to do with Lonzo, who he is — a strong-willed kid,” Alford said. “He’s a special talent both mentally and physically, and it’s how he’s wired. He’s been built this way. He’s been built for this.”
Most recently, LaVar has gotten himself into a war of words with Charles Barkley. That typically doesn’t end well unless you’re looking to be constantly ridiculed, which could be LaVar’s goal.
