LaVar Ball, known for his bold personality and as the father of NBA stars Lonzo and LaMelo Ball, has opened up about a challenging chapter in his life, one that underscores the serious consequences of unmanaged diabetes. Speaking candidly with Slam, Ball revealed that complications from the disease led to several amputations on his right leg, marking a dramatic turn in his health journey.
The ordeal began in January, when an infection spread through Ball’s bloodstream, a result of neglecting his diabetes. Initially, doctors removed a couple of toes, but the severity of the infection eventually required a below-the-knee amputation. In addition to the four surgeries, Ball underwent four separate blood transfusions during his treatment.
At one point, overwhelmed by the physical and emotional toll, Ball admitted that the experience made him question whether he could keep fighting. “It made me think that maybe it’s time for me to shut it down,” he said as he talked about this issue in his life.
Lavar’s strength comes from his family
However, Ball credits his sons for reigniting his determination. Their encouragement and support inspired him to persevere through the grueling recovery process. Now, Ball is using his story to advocate for better diabetes management and regular medical checkups, hoping to prevent others from facing similar hardships.
“A little amputation and a little of this, it could all have been prevented,” Ball emphasized, urging others to prioritize their health. Ball’s transparency sheds light on the very real dangers of untreated diabetes, a condition that affects millions worldwide.
His message is a powerful reminder of the importance of early intervention, proper care, and the unwavering strength that can come from family support. Through sharing his experience, Ball continues to impact lives, this time off the basketball court.
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