Lavar Ball spent the majority of his professional basketball career overseas after going undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft. Known for his strong physique and outspoken personality, he played for several teams across different leagues while keeping his family in the spotlight.
Below is a quick overview of his professional timeline, primary teams, and key performance highlights during his playing years.
| Team / League | Season | Role | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC Vytis | 2017–2018 | Power Forward / Center | Lithuanian National Basketball League debut as a late bloomer |
| LLB Napoli | 2018–2019 | Power Forward | Serie A2 performance in Italy, drew early fan attention |
| Vytautas Prienai–Birštonas | 2018–2019 | Power Forward / Center | Memphis Grizzlies training camp invite, played in LKL |
| London Lions | 2021 | Center | BNL season in the British Basketball League |
| Taiwan Beer | 2022 | Center | Super Basketball League stint in Taiwan, added media exposure |
Early Undrafted Journeys in Europe
After going undrafted, Lavar Ball began his professional journey in Lithuania with BC Vytis. He used the opportunity to adjust to higher-level competition while staying disciplined on and off the court. His time there laid the groundwork for more exposure in European leagues.
He later joined LLB Napoli in Italy’s Serie A2, where he showcased his size and inside presence. Although the league was competitive, he continued to develop his mid-range game and gained more attention from scouts.
Training Camp Invites and Growing Exposure
His standout performances in Europe eventually led to a training camp invite with the Memphis Grizzlies. Although he did not make the final roster, the experience helped him understand the pace and physicality of NBA-level preparation.
He also suited up for Vytautas Prienai–Birštonas in the Lithuanian league, where he balanced domestic LKL play with another Grizzlies camp attempt. The back-to-back camp stints demonstrated his commitment to reaching the next level.
International Leagues and Later Career
Lavar Ball continued his career in the British Basketball League with the London Lions, where he contributed on both ends in a structured system. His role expanded as he adjusted to faster transitions and smarter spacing.
He finished his overseas playing days in Taiwan’s SBL with Taiwan Beer. The move kept his name in the conversation and allowed him to experience different coaching styles and basketball cultures.
Playing Style and Physical Tools
Standing around 6 feet 7 inches with a strong frame, Lavar Ball relied on strength in the paint and rebounding. He favored body-up play, whether posting up smaller defenders or crashing the glass on both ends.
- Size and strength advantage in the post
- Active hands for rebounding and shot blocking
- Willingness to play through contact
- Limited perimeter shooting in professional settings
Legacy in Professional Basketball
Lavar Ball carved out a niche as a durable international veteran who represented his family brand while competing in multiple countries. His career serves as a case study for how undrafted players can sustain professional opportunities abroad.
For younger prospects, his path highlights the value of adaptability, training discipline, and seizing opportunities when they arise in unfamiliar leagues.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which NBA teams invited Lavar Ball to training camp?
He received training camp invites from the Memphis Grizzlies on two separate occasions, first around 2018 and again in the following season, though he did not secure a roster spot.
Did Lavar Ball ever play in the G League or for an NBA affiliate?
No, he did not appear in the NBA or the G League, instead building his career through international leagues in Europe and Asia.
Which international leagues did he compete in during his career?
He played in the Lithuanian National Basketball League, Italian Serie A2, British Basketball League, and Taiwan’s Super Basketball League.
What were the main highlights of his professional playing years?
His main highlights were consistent overseas performances, multiple training camp invitations from the Memphis Grizzlies, and adapting to different basketball cultures across Lithuania, Italy, the UK, and Taiwan.