Lavar Ball spent the majority of his professional basketball career overseas after going undrafted in the 2017 NBA draft. He played in Lithuania, Latvia, and Australia, where he attracted attention for both his playing style and his outspoken personality.
Below is a detailed overview of his professional playing history and key background context.
| Team | League | Country | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC Vytis | National Basketball League (Lithuania) | Lithuania | 2017 |
| BK Ventspils | Latvian-Estonian Basketball League | Latvia | 2018 |
| Ball Hogs | Junior Basketball Association | USA | 2018 |
| Sydney Kings | National Basketball League (Australia) | Australia | 2019–2020 |
Lavar Ball Professional Teams Overview
Lithuanian League stint with BC Vytis
Lavar Ball began his professional journey in 2017 with BC Vytis in the Lithuanian National Basketball League. He appeared in a limited number of games while drawing early scrutiny for his on-court decisions and lack of team play. This short stint served as a precursor to his more controversial overseas moves.
Latvia and the BK Ventspils Experience
Move to BK Ventspils in 2018
In 2018, Ball joined BK Ventspils in the Latvian-Estonian Basketball League. His time there was marked by inconsistent performances and frequent clashes with coaches. The team released him before the season ended, largely due to issues with effort and professionalism.
Junior Basketball Association and the Ball Hogs
Founding and playing for the Ball Hogs
During the summer of 2018, Lavar Ball played for his own league, the Junior Basketball Association, as a member of the Ball Hogs. This league was created to showcase his sons and promote his sports brand, further amplifying his public profile despite limited mainstream basketball relevance.
Sydney Kings in the Australian NBL
Two seasons in Australia
From 2019 to 2020, Lavar Ball played for the Sydney Kings in Australia’s National Basketball League. He received attention for physical play and on-court antics, but struggled with consistency and team integration. The contract was not renewed after the 2019–20 season.
Key Takeaways
- Played professionally in Lithuania, Latvia, and Australia.
- Short stints due to inconsistency and off-court issues.
- Most notable U.S. involvement was with his own league team.
- Never played in the NBA at any level.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which team did Lavar Ball play for first as a professional?
His first professional team was BC Vytis in Lithuania during the 2017 season.
Did Lavar Ball ever play in the Latvian league?
Yes, he played for BK Ventspils in the Latvian-Estonian Basketball League in 2018.
What U.S. league did Lavar Ball play in?
He played in the Junior Basketball Association for the Ball Hogs in 2018.
Did Lavar Ball play in the Australian NBL?
Yes, he played for the Sydney Kings in the 2019–20 season.