The Professor takes LaVar back to his early days developing his handles, his opportunity to play with AND1, and his eventual emergence as one of the most recognizable faces of the streetball era.
He opens up about the rise of AND1, what happened when the company changed ownership, and how he recognized the potential of online video early enough to continue building his own audience after the tour. LaVar even makes the case that, at its peak, the AND1 movement had become bigger than the NBA for a generation of young basketball fans.
The conversation also goes deeper into passion, ownership and longevity. LaVar explains his philosophy behind Big Baller Brand, why he believes athletes need to own something beyond their playing careers, and how the brand was designed to remain connected to Lonzo, Gelo and LaMelo.
The Professor and LaVar also discuss what happens when a player's creativity doesn't fit traditional basketball systems. LaVar argues that truly special players can't simply be coached into becoming great—they need coaches who recognize their talent, believe in them and allow them to play their game.
Then the basketball debates begin.
The Professor gives his top point guards of all time, leading LaVar to challenge the ranking by putting Steph Curry over Magic Johnson and to question what actually defines a true point guard. That turns into a larger conversation about leadership before LaVar and The Professor debate Jalen Brunson and the greatest New York Knick of all time.
And before it's over, LaVar and The Professor take the competition away from basketball and over to the pool table.
In This Episode
- The Professor's journey from local basketball to AND1
- How he developed his signature handles
- Why his father turned down his first AND1 deal
- The rise and eventual end of the original AND1 era
- Recognizing the potential of YouTube early
- LaVar's argument that AND1 became bigger than the NBA
- Turning your passion into a career
- Family, purpose and helping others
- LaVar's philosophy behind Big Baller Brand
- Why LaVar believes athletes need ownership
- Taking LaMelo to Lithuania at 16
- Why creativity can't always be coached
- The importance of having a coach who believes in you
- The Professor's greatest point guards of all time
- Steph Curry vs. Magic Johnson
- What actually makes someone a point guard?
- Why LaVar believes leadership comes first
- Jalen Brunson and the greatest Knick debate
- LaVar's thoughts on the Knicks
- LaVar vs. The Professor in pool
Follow & Subscribe
Follow The LaVar Ball Show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode.
If you enjoyed the conversation, leave a 5-star rating, write a review, and share the episode with another basketball fan.
Who are your top three point guards of all time?
