Why Did LaVar Ball Lose His Leg? Story Behind Leg Amputation After Life-Threatening Illness

LaVar Ball has always been the loudest voice in the room, whether hyping up his sons or building his Big Baller Brand. Perhaps rightfully so, because two of his three sons in LaMelo and Lonzo Ball have become established NBA stars. On the other hand, his entrepreneurial initiatives have led to a net worth of $4 million.

However, at the start of 2025, his absence was hard to miss. Lonzo was finally making his NBA return, LaMelo was dazzling in Charlotte, and LiAngelo was climbing the music charts. Their father, though, was nowhere to be seen. The truth soon surfaced: LaVar had undergone a life-changing surgery that left him without his right leg.

LaVar Ball’s Health Crisis: From Diabetes to Leg Amputation

It all began with something that seemed minor, an infection on his foot. For most, it might not have been alarming, but for someone with diabetes, it was dangerous. Poor blood flow only made things worse. Left untreated, the infection spread quickly, forcing doctors into tough decisions. LaVar later admitted, “I had an infection on my foot that started spreading through my blood due to not paying attention to my diabetes.”

The first surgeries were attempts to save what they could. Doctors amputated a few toes, hoping it would stop the infection’s reach. But when that failed, his entire foot had to be removed. Even then, the problem didn’t end. “First, they cut off a couple of toes. Then they cut off my foot. Then they said, ‘We gotta go almost knee-high for another surgery,’” he explained.

By then, LaVar had endured three surgeries and four blood transfusions. It was a brutal stretch that tested his body and spirit. At moments, he admitted he wanted to stop fighting altogether. “All those surgeries and blood transfusions, it made me question whether it was worth going through it sometimes.” For someone known for his confidence, these words revealed just how crushing the ordeal had been.

Yet his sons became the lifeline he needed. Whether through FaceTime calls or simple encouragement, they gave him the will to push forward. He recalled them telling him, “Dad, you’re the toughest dude I know.” That single reminder made him keep going. For LaVar, family wasn’t just support; it was the reason he chose life over surrender.

LaVar Ball’s Emotional and Physical Struggles During Recovery

LaVar’s battle did not end when the surgeries were over. The recovery itself became another mountain to climb. He had to endure repeated blood transfusions, each one draining him emotionally. “Three surgeries. And then there were also the blood transfusions. Not one, not two, not three, four different times,” he revealed. For a man who thrived on energy, those moments tested every ounce of strength.

Behind his usual humor and tough talk, there were moments of despair. He admitted thinking, “It made me think, ‘Man, just kill me and let me go about my business.’” These weren’t just passing thoughts but real struggles that came from physical pain and mental exhaustion. For LaVar, being forced into stillness was one of the hardest adjustments.

What pulled him through was the unshakable presence of his family. Lonzo, LaMelo, and LiAngelo didn’t let him face it alone. They reminded him that his fight mattered. “As long as I can smile and see my boys, I’m good,” he shared. His sons’ careers were taking off, and he found hope in their success.

Even in the hospital, the Ball household energy never disappeared. LiAngelo would call him as his song “Tweaker” climbed music charts, bringing moments of joy. LaMelo’s highlight reels and Lonzo’s long-awaited return gave him new reasons to endure. Watching them succeed made his sacrifices feel worthwhile. Their wins felt like his own victories.

Still, LaVar admitted that the mental toll was heavy. Depression loomed during quiet nights, when the pain refused to fade. Yet even in those low moments, he tried to remind himself of his purpose. “I’m the Big Baller. I’m hard to kill,” he declared. His words reflected not arrogance, but determination to keep pushing forward.

LaVar Ball’s Resilience and Advocacy After Amputation

Once the surgeries and transfusions were behind him, LaVar had a choice to make. He could drown in self-pity or embrace the new reality. Surprisingly, he chose humor and positivity. He even appeared in a TikTok video saying, “Everyone heard what happened. And y’all can take my foot, but you know what you can’t take? That Primby account.” It was classic LaVar, still cracking jokes in the face of pain.

But behind the laughter was a shift in perspective. LaVar realized that his story could save others from similar struggles. “So, now I’m telling folks, if you got diabetes, don’t just be like, ‘Oh, that’s just diabetes,’” he said. His goal became clear: spread awareness about the dangers of ignoring chronic illnesses, especially in communities where hospital visits are often delayed.

LaVar knew his message would land differently because of who he was. People had always seen him as bold, sometimes over the top, but never quiet. Now, that same loud voice carried a lesson. “Get your checkups, do what you’re supposed to do. If you don’t have insurance, go to urgent care.” His words turned into crucial advice that could save lives.

Even with a missing leg, he refused to see himself as less. “My foot is gone, but my brain is still here,” he said. He admitted he couldn’t move like before, but he focused on the next step. That step, for him, was continuing to inspire others, whether through his brand, his family, or his message.

Fans who once knew LaVar for fiery interviews now saw a man using his platform differently. He wasn’t just hyping sneakers or declaring his sons’ greatness. He was living proof of resilience. And in his words, “Don’t feel sorry for me.” Instead, he wanted people to learn from his scars and take their health seriously.

Final Thoughts on LaVar Ball’s Journey

LaVar Ball’s journey shows that even the loudest voices face moments of silence. His experience with diabetes and amputation is a stark reminder that ignoring health can have serious consequences. But his story isn’t only about losing a leg. It’s about what happens after life knocks you down. Instead of letting the setback define him, he decided to rewrite what resilience looks like.

Now, he speaks about how fragile health can be if it’s ignored. His openness gives his story weight because it comes from hard-earned experience. When he urges people to take diabetes seriously, it isn’t advice from a doctor’s office. It’s a warning carved out of pain and survival. Instead of hiding the ordeal, he’s open about it, hoping his story pushes others to take their health seriously. In doing so, he turns pain into purpose. For anyone facing their own battles, his resilience offers a spark of motivation.

Through his advocacy, LaVar wants people to avoid what he went through. He wants them to recognize the danger early, to listen to their bodies, and to make changes before it’s too late. If sharing his loss helps prevent someone else’s, then he considers it worth speaking out.

In the end, LaVar Ball hasn’t changed as much as people think. He’s still brash, still quick with a joke, still unshaken in spirit. The difference is that now his voice carries a weight it never had before.