The official unveiling of Lonzo Ball’s signature shoes, the ZO2, was the most polarizing shoe launch in the history of sneakers, was it not? The $495 direct-to-consumer product has been a topic of conversation for sports and sneaker media outlets, making LaVar Ball one of the most coveted interview guests. In a radio interview with Dan Le Batard on his ESPN radio show earlier today, LaVar Ball fervently defended the $495 price while comparing it to super-luxury Rolls Royce cars. He added fuel to the flame by justifying the $220 price-tag on the sandals, which he claims are better than those put forth by luxury brands Prada and Gucci.
LaVar isn’t wrong when he says he has the power to price the shoes in any way he pleases. But anyone who can’t afford $495 is not “a Big Baller”, according to the outspoken father of Lonzo. Meanwhile, LaVar would not disclose how many pairs were sold and who exactly was handling the manufacturing.
LaVar also noted that of the big three brands that turned down his licensing pitch, Under Armour was the most dismissive, according to Darren Rovell of ESPN.
Big Baller’s loose! If you can’t afford the ZO2’S, you’re NOT a BIG BALLER! 💰
— Lavar Ball (@Lavarbigballer) May 4, 2017