When LaMelo Ball's father sent Donald Trump sneakers for freeing LiAngelo Ball from China

LaMelo Ball's father, LaVar Ball, revealed in an interview with CNN in December 2017 how he appreciated Donald Trump for securing the release of his son LiAngelo Ball.

He disclosed that he didn't credit Trump with the release but he still showed his gratitude by sending him three pairs of his Big Baller Brand sneakers.

"I sent him three pairs - red, white, and blue - to show him we patriotic," LaVar Ball said to CNN.

LiAngelo was one of the three UCLA players who was detained in China after they were suspected of shoplifting in November 2017. It happened a day before President Trump arrived for a visit to the country to meet its president, Xi Jinping.

President Trump told reporters about his role in securing the release of the players as he spoke to the Chinese. His efforts were appreciated by all the three UCLA players involved.

However, LaMelo's father downplayed the role of President Trump in securing his son's release. It resulted in a series of tweets from Trump who vented his anger on November 22, 2017.

"Now that the three basketball players are out of China and saved from years in jail, LaVar Ball, the father of LiAngelo, is unaccepting of what I did for his son and that shoplifting is no big deal, I should have left them in jail," Donald Trump tweeted.

Donald Trump - image via X/@realdonaldtrump

LaMelo Ball's father wasn't going to let the attack slide. He responded by tweeting a GIF cartoon of him dunking on the former president.

LiAngelo after the incident was suspended indefinitely by UCLA, where he then withdrew from the program. Subsequently, he signed with Prienai of the Lithuanian Basketball League in December 2017 and has been a journeyman since then waiting for his shot in the NBA.

---

LaMelo Ball's father hints at potential pairing with his brother Lonzo Ball

LaMelo Ball's father LaVar has wanted nothing but greatness for his sons. On an Instagram Live in November 2024, the Ball family patriarch hinted that the Charlotte Hornets are going to trade for Lonzo Ball to join up with LaMelo.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (2) and Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) hug after the game at United Center. - Source: Imagn

This happened after he watched the Hornets lose against the New York Knicks.

"You know we need that guy. Don't worry about it, help is coming. Help is coming," LaVar Ball said.

Both sons have had different trajectories in their careers. Lonzo has moved to different teams since being drafted second overall by the LA Lakers in 2017. LaMelo Ball, on the other hand, has become the face of the Hornets organization.