The greatest marketing, put one over on the sheep, outiside of the Trucks they call Sport Utility Vehicles, is calling Sneakers, Shoes, and selling them for outrageous prices!
1
495 bucks?!? I'm flabbergasted!
1
It's a shame that people can't see that the Ball boys are going to make basketball aficionados forget Bob Cousy, Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The Ball patriarch is a true marketing genius and clairvoyant. Don't be surprised if in a few years, he relegates Nike to the back pages of sports gear along with such forgotten brands as Spaulding and MacGregor. There won't be an NBA record standing once the Balls have finished their careers, if they have to move the HOF from Springfield, MA to Chino Hills and build a wing just for the old hall next to the 500,000sf new Ball Hall. Mr. Ball is the game changer that the world of sports needs to break the cycle of Jordan XLVIII and bring the Ball shoe into the rarified air of $2,500. shoes that every kid will covet to make their dreams come true.
Speaking of dreams, I just woke up from the strangest nightmare in which the world was run by the triumvirate of Joe Simpson, Kris Kardashian, LaVar Ball and Kim Jong-un and LaVar Ball was selling socks for $300.
Ain't this country great?
Speaking of dreams, I just woke up from the strangest nightmare in which the world was run by the triumvirate of Joe Simpson, Kris Kardashian, LaVar Ball and Kim Jong-un and LaVar Ball was selling socks for $300.
Ain't this country great?
2
And Mr. Ball got a NYT article about his ridiculous shoes! That's the man's aim, to keep his "brand" in the news, and he's betting that at some point, when the Balls' and their brand of brash craziness become even more ubiquitous, he will have his pay day, or more. Its a bold strategy and he seems to have the "love me-hate me-but-you cant ignore me" personality and chutzpah to perhaps pull it off!
1
Who is Lonzo Ball? What has he won of consequence? Titles against the best in the World? Nope.
2
I bought a pair and now I can jump higher. I'm like a grasshopper.
6
I am not buying now. I will wait and pick up a pair for $7 in Goodwill later.
2
If I'm an NBA GM, I know drafting Lonzo (who showed zero heart in the loss to Kentucky) means I get Lavar as well. Is Lonzo that good I'm willing to disrupt the entire team and organization? I don't think so. As for the shoes, at that price point they should be sold at Barney's or Nieman's.
1
A litter box for cats!
Are they at least made in the U.S.?
1
I, a white, mid-sixties grandma, would wear those if they came in a nicer color. That alone indicates their target demographic won't be camping out in front of the stores to buy them.
Another example of the exploding meme #latecapitalism whereby success is preordained and something is of value because someone says so. Lonzo Ball may turn out to be the next Stephen Curry, although the odds do not favor that, and he may even help his father sell some shoes down the line; but what is revealed more than the threat to Nike's hegemony is the simple realization that people would be stupid enough to buy a 500 dollar Ballers (or even a 175 dollar LeBron's unless the money was going to support inner-city school lunch programs). #latecapitalism is a topological shift which reverses role of id and ego. If Donald Trump were a sneaker he would be a ZO2...can anyone doubt that?
5
There is a lot of hatred and jealousy in the article and the comments..this guy has to at least try this tactic to success... the downside risk is minimal and the upside is huge ..Disruption is the name of the game today..that's how silicon valley functions..the entrenched shoe companies are totally threatened by this loud mouth but he may be onto something.
1
If I were a GM on an NBA team, I wouldn't go Near this kid on draft day. . There are headaches and "side-shows" coming, that will not be worth the talent that he May possess. .
Buyer beware!
Buyer beware!
2
What shoes was Fox wearing when he dominated Ball in his final college game? I hope Lavar doesn't expect any white guys to buy these ridiculous shoes after blaming UCLA's loss on the white players. Lonzo is good, not great and has a lot to prove before living up to the hype. I feel sorry for him having to overcome his stupid father.
His Father has all ready turned Ball into a Pariah of sorts. Talented? Sure. Entitled, spoiled, arrogant, hype driven, unproven? Definitely.
1
I wouldn't spend teh cash but I don't think they look bad. I like all back sneaks, they go with jeans or a tux. Wore all black Nike's with my tux when married 44 years ago. Still married, so not a bad choice as to foot gear or my chosen and who accepted me woman.
This man is getting the best free advertising in the world right now. The more people that insist on showing their outrage at his audacity to sell a pair of shoes for so much money are the more people who consist to bring more attention to his product. We are robotic consumers programmed to buy into anything that flashes before our eyes and ears, if done repeatedly.
The people that are objecting the most are consequently offering the best free promotion his company could ever ask for. At this point, I won't be the least bit surprised if the shoe sells and neither should you.
The people that are objecting the most are consequently offering the best free promotion his company could ever ask for. At this point, I won't be the least bit surprised if the shoe sells and neither should you.
1
This is all about LaVar. It is not about basketball, not about shoes, not really about making money and ultimately not about his kids. This is all about LaVar.
2
There's a market for items that are purchased for conspicuous consumption, just to display the owner's wealth. The price tag matters more than functionality or esthetics. It's questionable as to whether the market for this shoe will be large enough to justify the strategy.
1
I don't really understand the whole sneaker-collectible mania, but that's okay -- beauty (and worth) is in the eye of the beholder, so I won't sneer at these.
I do have a pair of $300 Frye boots which have lasted many years, and I recently spent $60 to get them resoled -- can you do that with sneakers? Would you even want to? But I shouldn't confuse utility with desire. I'm remembering Spike Lee's commercial for Air Jordans many years ago. "Is it the shoes?" "No Mars." "It's gotta be the shoes!"
I do have a pair of $300 Frye boots which have lasted many years, and I recently spent $60 to get them resoled -- can you do that with sneakers? Would you even want to? But I shouldn't confuse utility with desire. I'm remembering Spike Lee's commercial for Air Jordans many years ago. "Is it the shoes?" "No Mars." "It's gotta be the shoes!"
3
Yes, another man of color from LA hyped his two talented kids but clearly when anyone watched Venus or Serena play, they forgot all about their blabbermouth dad. Pure work and talent right off the bat. Lonzo Ball, not so much. Basketball is a team sport and a good player cannot pull the whole team along (looking at you, awesome Russell Westbrook) without sufficient talent alongside them. Remember Jordan had Pippen after all.
I just find it surprising that as a one and done that anyone would make this shoe deal with the Ball family. We've barely seen Lonzo play college ball let alone do ANYTHING that would say, "yeah, he's in Jordan's level". Does LaVar think that possibly his son isn't as good as he is hyping? Is it a hedge against injury to Lonzo? And remember, he has two more boys in the "pipeline" that he is already hyping. Only time will tell if Lonzo is good enough and good luck to him.
And fugly doesn't begin to describe the shoes.
I just find it surprising that as a one and done that anyone would make this shoe deal with the Ball family. We've barely seen Lonzo play college ball let alone do ANYTHING that would say, "yeah, he's in Jordan's level". Does LaVar think that possibly his son isn't as good as he is hyping? Is it a hedge against injury to Lonzo? And remember, he has two more boys in the "pipeline" that he is already hyping. Only time will tell if Lonzo is good enough and good luck to him.
And fugly doesn't begin to describe the shoes.
2
Alas, in the merciless business of sports sneakers, the Balls are inert.
"Delorean finish". Uh-oh.
1
Business school 101- don't market an unproven product. The smart move would have been for a 5 year licensing deal with one of the major shoe companies - collect the royalties for five years. If the player becomes what he's projected to be, THEN go about expanding your options.
1
I commend him on his entrepreneurship, we need more minorities taking control of the means of production, controlling their own skills and talents. Open 1000 stores in the inner city, sponsor leagues, build courts, then get more class, civility and humility than Trump. That shouldn't be hard.
1
Beyond the shoe, I am curious to know if the father will be a hinderance to sign this guy? He persona seems bigger than his son.
1
Hey, Ball family: kids wearing your shoes will be assalted and robbed...maybe hurt or killed. Have you thought of that horrible outcome in such ridiculously pricing??? Talk about a potential increase in crime for a reason that you can control. Well....greed, it is!
Look like made in China geriatric shoes. The deeper story is the suckering of an ethnicity into the purchase of shoes, the kind of topic artist David Hammons or Spike Lee might mull. Make the shoes out of crystal and sell them for $10 million instead.
this is why some in the african american community have no money. by my calculations you could buy about 8 shares of microsoft stock with the money that you would blow on these ridiculous shoes. (MSFT) has great potential to increase your wealth, it's up 11 percent year to date, and by the way pays dividends on top of that. If members of the african american community waste their money on crap like these over priced shoes, they will wind up broke with an old pair of shoes, and other groups that save and invest wind up wealthy, and is has nothing to do with racism, privilege, or anything else and everything to do with being smart with money. where are their leaders, where is the outrage? p.s. anyone with an internet connection over the age of 18 who has not been convicted of a financial crime can largely open a roth ira with a discount broker, it does not take a lot. please leaders in your community start leading...
1
Encountering widespread ridicule on Thursday over the sneaker’s price tag, LaVar Ball tweeted that if “you can’t afford” them, “you’re NOT a BIG BALLER!”
If a white man said that it he would be called a racist pig. Who in the hell does he think his target audience is? Tell that comment to the ballers in any inner city of America. Does thjs potentially increase the crime rate in cities where non "Big Ballers" find other means to afford shoes from the self proclaimed 2nd coming of MIchael AI Lebron Kobie Jordan? This father's an idiot shill.
If a white man said that it he would be called a racist pig. Who in the hell does he think his target audience is? Tell that comment to the ballers in any inner city of America. Does thjs potentially increase the crime rate in cities where non "Big Ballers" find other means to afford shoes from the self proclaimed 2nd coming of MIchael AI Lebron Kobie Jordan? This father's an idiot shill.
1
Nobody's buying this garbage. This guy is an idiot.
Really UGLY shoes for an even UGLIER price, which has spawned a new fashion segment: Gauche Couture.
Ridiculous price and a curious anecdotal story about the level of greed going on in the bball sneaker world, and, they are not attractive. However, I work in a pit (orchestra) and one is required to wear black footwear, and I would be curious to see how comfortable they are , because they would definitely fit in , with my tuxedo and work apparel and actually be kind of cool in that work environment where fingers rather than feet !! pound the hardwood of our instruments quite literally!
11
You can order Nike sneakers that are all black (the swosh is shiny) on their website. My Frees were $105 and came with 2 different weight insoles. I wear them as dress shoes with my ubiquitous black pants.
1
Peapodesque, you can buy, As I just did, a nice pair of black Rockports for $89.
Not the most stylish shoe but heck, you are down there in the pit, who will see you?
They are very comfortable though.
Good luck!
Not the most stylish shoe but heck, you are down there in the pit, who will see you?
They are very comfortable though.
Good luck!
1
You might want to look into Brooks black walking shoes. They can be had for $100 or under online. I had a similar problem being at a podium in my profession. Brooks black walking shoes solved my problem for 1/5 of what Poppa Ball wants.
1
Wow those look great, to mow the lawn in.
10
And not a riding mower bro
1
The proof is in the pudding.
I remember, many years ago, another loud, obnoxious jerk of a father out of Southern California touted his teenage progeny as the best athletes in the world in their sport. He also demanded ridiculously speculative, eye-popping amounts of money for endorsements before the kids had won anything. Everyone thought he was psychotic and delusional.
But here's the thing. The loud obnoxious jerk was Richard Williams, and his daughter Serena did in fact turn out to be the most prolific tennis champion in history. She has won more major titles than Billie Jean, Margaret Court, Chris Evert, and even Steffi Graf. His other daughter, Venus, is "merely" one of the top 10 greatest champions in tennis history.
If the Ball sons turn out to be journeyman players, blow out their knees, or simply flame out like Jimmer Fredette, Lavar Ball will remain just another nut. But if one or more of his three sons turn out to be the next LeBron or even the next Damian Lillard, Mr. Ball will get very rich and will be considered a marketing genius.
The man is putting his money where his mouth is, and to me that is impressive. I personally think the shoes are fugly, but those shelling out the $400 now may just have an extremely valuable collector's item on their hands in a few years.
I remember, many years ago, another loud, obnoxious jerk of a father out of Southern California touted his teenage progeny as the best athletes in the world in their sport. He also demanded ridiculously speculative, eye-popping amounts of money for endorsements before the kids had won anything. Everyone thought he was psychotic and delusional.
But here's the thing. The loud obnoxious jerk was Richard Williams, and his daughter Serena did in fact turn out to be the most prolific tennis champion in history. She has won more major titles than Billie Jean, Margaret Court, Chris Evert, and even Steffi Graf. His other daughter, Venus, is "merely" one of the top 10 greatest champions in tennis history.
If the Ball sons turn out to be journeyman players, blow out their knees, or simply flame out like Jimmer Fredette, Lavar Ball will remain just another nut. But if one or more of his three sons turn out to be the next LeBron or even the next Damian Lillard, Mr. Ball will get very rich and will be considered a marketing genius.
The man is putting his money where his mouth is, and to me that is impressive. I personally think the shoes are fugly, but those shelling out the $400 now may just have an extremely valuable collector's item on their hands in a few years.
10
Seems like Papa Ball is trying to cash in on all the hype now as a hedge against the possibility that his son(s) don't make it big time. I saw Lonzo in his final March Madness game and he definitely was not the best player on the court. In the Williams' case, you can understand their dad's quest to make sure his daughter's greatness was not diminished operating in a very white tennis world. There really is no cause for such bravado in the Balls' case. If they do well at the pro level, they will be rewarded. To expect to be rewarded before they prove themselves - well, the sucker wannabees who spend $495 on those Ball sneakers will determine if that plan works. Let me know when they come down to $4.95 on the discount rack.
26
Max heads the nail square on the head - one may not have liked what Richard Williams said or did in support of his daughters - but the playing field and sporting world they were entering was vastly different than the world Lonzo is about to enter. Venus and then Serena faced an uncertain level of acceptance (even though they weren't the first African-Americans to reach that competitive level) and I suspect Richard's actions were to deflect some pressure towards himself and away from his daughters as they navigated the very white and country club tennis world.
1
Very well said. And why are folks so sure that this man is just a blow hard? Time will tell.
I don't think people are seeing this from Ball's perspective. He is a guaranteed top 3 pick and will get a guaranteed high 7, low 8-figure contract. Granted, he seems to be leaving $ on the table by bypassing big sneaker companies. But, as the article said, it was "only" going to be about $2mm (over several years). In other words, a fraction of overall earnings. Also we don't know where the sneakers sit in an overall marketing deal that the Balls may have worked out. Is there a manufacturer out there looking for a way to grab market share? Yes, the firms who already make the shoes for Nike but have no brand penetration in the US. Think: Lenovo and IBM circa 2005....
3
Give Ball a break. We've seen this story before. If the kids perform the shoes, or whatever, will sell and Ball will get wealthy. If not, then not.
5
I'm glad they aren't going with the leeches from the shoe companies but the father seems like an additional leech. ...and for $500 I'd expect high tops.
8
The shoe market is a specialty market. And value is often determined by young black men. There are numerous similar markets. Trading cards. designer clothing and accessories, and even fine art. Any suggestion that the shoe market is uniquely a scam suggests that those who make this market lack legitimacy. That strikes me as racist.
1
Racist or not, it's ridiculous! LOL
11
Over priced like him and his daddy, this will go do as the worst looking sneaker. it looks like a black version of Grandma shoe that UA/Curry tried to sell last year. this ugly think gets Curry off the hook as worst design
9
I may not be the target audience for the Ball family, since the first thing that crossed my mind when I saw the price tag on those shoes was, with $500 I can make 2 payments on my car, pay for about 8 tanks of gasoline, car insurance, my electric bill, and, oh yeah, and lots of groceries.
25
All of which are ephemeral. And if those things are so important in one's scheme of things, he shouldn't be considering $500 sneakers in the first place.
1
Lonzo Ball hasn't earned the right to a sneaker yet. Despite his potential first round draft pick status, let him prove himself worthy of the NBA.
8
I don't know...I've gotta say, that this Father might be onto something. It's clearly not shoe design, or salesmanship. Instead, he is taking one hell of a stance against some MAJOR players in the shoe biz, and it's not paying off...right now. Personally, I say [expletive] his $500 'what are thoooose' lookin' shoes. But if this is a chess move, then, well played. The children have not proven themselves, so it's unclear how well they will perform at the professional level. If Lonzo does well, everyone knows about his shoe, thanks to Dad (and negative press). Will he have to price it at $500? No.. $125 will do fine. But who will be manufacturing the shoes then? Not Nike, Not Adidas. That will be a game changer. We can't knock the man for trying.
6
Sorry! LaVarr Ball hasn't earned the right to a shoe in my opinion. He's no Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant or Lebron James by a long shot. Even though he'll most likely be a top draft pick, let's see his shelf life as a player in the NBA first!
8
Honestly, after watching this kid play against Kentucky in the tournament, I was not at all impressed with him on any level- his play, his desire to win, his demeanor. I don't think I would even blow my first round draft pick on him. I predict that he will not be an NBA star. He's a lot of hype.
7
Tom Brady wasn't taken until the 199th pick so predictions as to how good somebody will be are just that opinion. 6 QBs were taken before Brady his year. Though NBA picks stand up better than any other sport as to being right. Those making the decision on the draft say he will go top 3. They will be drafting will YOU?
Memorandum to Jeannie Buss, President of the Los Angeles Laker
Do not draft Lonzo Ball.
Sincerely,
Lakers Fans
Do not draft Lonzo Ball.
Sincerely,
Lakers Fans
38
If it's not peak stupid, it's at least on the spectrum.
17
The father seems to be messing with his kid's potential revenue. Such an age old story. Let the kids sign some long-term deals and make some guaranteed money. Get out of the way Mr. Ball.
3
" Encountering widespread ridicule on Thursday over the sneaker’s price tag, LaVar Ball tweeted that if “you can’t afford” them, “you’re NOT a BIG BALLER!” "
How soon before "Big Baller" becomes synonymous with "Sucker"? Effectively ending the branding.
How soon before "Big Baller" becomes synonymous with "Sucker"? Effectively ending the branding.
11
I'd tell young Lonzo, show some game before I show you my money.
10
I wonder just how much the NBA office will take before they start responding to this monster--I would certainly prefer Charles Barkley as a role model.
3
More monstrous than Nike?
No thanks!
9
LaVarr Ball reminds me of a Richard Williams with the exception that Richard does in fact two exceptionally talented daughters (Serena/Venus) who have demonstrated the ability to perform and win at the Professional level. It still remains to be seen if any of the Ball sons in fact will have a successful, yet exceptional star quality career.
This is exemplary of where professional sport and the current generation of new players entering the professional level. They are looking to cash in our their supposed "star" quality without ever setting foot on a professional venue and proving themselves. For every 10,000 kids (or more) who pick up a basket ball there is one LeBron James. While the Ball brothers clearly have talent their is no gaurentee it will transfer to star quality in the professional venue. I would suggest they play a few seasons, prove themselves and then taught their own line of gear.
Clearly blame the father on this one, for not installing any sense of humility and ethic in simply proving yourself and playing the game and letting your star power pay for itself when proven. He is simply trying to cash out on the name with hopes it will work. Sad
This is exemplary of where professional sport and the current generation of new players entering the professional level. They are looking to cash in our their supposed "star" quality without ever setting foot on a professional venue and proving themselves. For every 10,000 kids (or more) who pick up a basket ball there is one LeBron James. While the Ball brothers clearly have talent their is no gaurentee it will transfer to star quality in the professional venue. I would suggest they play a few seasons, prove themselves and then taught their own line of gear.
Clearly blame the father on this one, for not installing any sense of humility and ethic in simply proving yourself and playing the game and letting your star power pay for itself when proven. He is simply trying to cash out on the name with hopes it will work. Sad
23
The super-luxe profit margin is often larger than the merely expensive. If there is any genius to this, it is escaping the requirement to sell huge volume in order to make significant profit. The only thing the company has to do is shift from a customer base that needs their shoes to perform well and convey status to a customer base that will be 100% satisfied with status as the only required performance feature.
6
Except this product doesn't convey status at all aside from the ridiculous price point. The baller band is not marketed as high end, lonzo is not an icon nor a superstar, the shoe does not appear to use any luxurious materials, the design looks like any other basketball shoe, and the logos scream cheapness.
6
If Stephon Marbury is the only one supporting your shoe decision, it may be time to re-think your business plan. Just sayin'...
43
A couple of years ago Marbury was criticizing Michael Jordan for ripping kids off with his overpriced shoes, but now he likes Lonzo Ball's business model. I'm confused.
6
Marbury likes the concept of a player owning his own brand, and cutting out the middleman. In essence, what the Balls are doing is exactly what Marbury did when he struck out on his own. The only difference is that Marbury wanted to provide working class kids with a product within their price range, while Lavar and Lonzo are trying to sell a luxury item. I'm willing to bet that Marbury doesn't like the price of the sneakers, but supports the overall business plan.
Thats because we are talking about Steph Marbury, a valuable human being and talented baller but not the brightest bulb in the box. Lavar is making a play to make some money for himself at his kids expense. Given that we don't know the production deal (set up costs included) or the cost of his lawyers but he is assuming very little risk. 1,000 shoes costing 25 each like Nike would net him 450K. 10,000 shoes would be a coup. Like much of our social media world these days it is style and volume over substance and fact.