Potential No. 1 pick LaMelo Ball has been reportedly offered $100 million and a private jet by a shoe company, according to Corey Williams of ESPN Australia & New Zealand.
Ball is considered to be a first-round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft with many believing the 18-year-old could potentially be the top selection after a strong season abroad in Australia’s National Basketball League. Ball has appeared in 12 games with the Illawarra Hawks, averaging 17 points, 7.5 rebounds and seven assists.
With the future of Big Baller Brand in doubt, Ball will consider all of his endorsement opportunities and may opt to move in a different direction from the company started by his father, LaVar. Given his talent, Ball will be a highly sought-after target for companies. His arrival in the NBL has helped set several attendance and viewership records.
BREAKING NEWS: A source close to me in the USA have just told me @MELOD1P has been offered $100MILLION & A PRIVATE JET to sign a Sneaker Endorsement Deal. With an offer like this, no way he isn’t going #1 in the @nba 2020 Draft. pic.twitter.com/IJ33N4s4E5
— Corey “Homicide” Williams (@chomicide) December 31, 2019
Though the specific company has not been identified, Ball will certainly have interest from the biggest companies around the sport and could even attract the attention of smaller brands like Anta or PUMA. Ball has been seen wearing Nike while playing in the NBL.
Earlier this season, LaMelo’s brother, Lonzo, offered LaMelo some advice ahead of his decision. Lonzo told his younger brother to meet with every company possible and go with the brand that wants him the most since he didn’t take meetings before signing with Big Baller Brand.
As for his on-court production, LaMelo hasn’t played since Nov. 30 after suffering a foot injury that is said to sideline him until next month. His injury isn’t expected to affect his draft stock.
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