Lonzo Ball's Shoes for $495 is Genius but Critical
Lonzo Ball has released his first signature shoes at a whopping $495!! This is the first time we have seen an NBA prospect enter the league with a signature while also turning down the biggest shoe company in the world with Nike.
Lavar Ball, father of Lonzo Ball, is the CEO behind the "Big Baller Brand" business. I must say, this man has some guts to attempt what he is doing. Lavar could be jeopardizing his son's NBA career before it even begins. Social media is buzzing about the Ball family and the outrageous cost of Lonzo Ball's ZO2 shoe.
First, let's take a look at the NBA prospect.
LONZO BALL
The 6'6 freshman guard out of UCLA is projected to be a top 3 pick in the NBA draft. While at UCLA, Ball averaged 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assist per game. Ball lead his team to the NCAA March Madness tournament but came up short. After one year at UCLA, Lonzo Ball was ready for the big leagues.
Lonzo and his two younger brothers are known as the "Ball Brothers, who all have dominated at the high school level of play in Chino Hills, California. Even his youngest brother LaMelo Ball scored 92 points in a high school game.
The Ball brothers are a trending topic on social media because of the outstanding play of Lonzo Ball, the basketball family as a whole, and the recent release of Lonzo Ball's first signature shoe.
ZO2's Shoe - $495
ZO2's Flip Flops - $220
We all heard about the insane price of the ZO2's.
Lavar Ball is the master mind behind all of the hype. A very bold, and confident father who want his children to have it all. He not only believes that Lonzo can compete, but DOMINATE at the next level.
When asked about the expensive price of the shoe, Lavar's response was that his shoe is meant for "BIG BALLERS". The world has never seen a NBA prospect enter the league with his own signature shoe. Lavar Ball has turned down offers from Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas to build their own brand. Either Lavar has a plan in store, or this man is completely insane.
Lavar Ball featured on Undisputed
Here is why I believe this insane price is genius
1. The ZO'2 are now a trending topic around the world
Let's look at this shoe from a marketing perspective. Let's say the ZO2's were being sold at the price of $85, would they be as trendy? No. More affordable? Yes, but Ball is reaching for something bigger than that. When you hear the price $495, your first initial thoughts are WHAT!? This has led you to tell a friend about this absurd news that you just heard. Believe it or not you are spreading this Big Baller Brand word of mouth. Social media is today's strongest marketing tool. When someone retweets or shares this information, this is actually spreading awareness of the shoe.
2. Breaking the norm
This is something that has never been done before. No player EVER has 1. Entered the NBA with their own signature shoe & 2. Has the audacity to create a shoe at that starting price, not even Michael Jordan. I find this very interesting because who would ever turn down a Nike contract worth millions of dollars!? Lavar does not want to become apart of the system, where NBA players take what they are offered. Instead, he wants Lonzo to do his way & be his own boss.
TEAM NIKE
TEAM UNDER ARMOUR
3. Lavar Ball wants to make Billions not Millions
Now here's the thing. The Ball family lives in Chino Hills, California. It seems that this family was already well off. When I heard about Lavar Ball turning down a Nike contract for Lonzo, It was disturbing but yet I was intrigued. Let's say Nike offers Lonzo Ball a $10 million contract. Now, lets predict that Ball gets rookie of the year and his NBA popularity is off the charts. His shoe sales would increase significantly. Instead of earning a percentage from Nike, the Big Baller Brand could potentially make more being an independent business rather than being sponsored by Nike. Lavar Ball obviously has a vision for his business and we are all anxious to see what Ball does his rookie year.
4. It is a win win situation
Let's say the ZO2's sell horribly in the market and the shoe is a complete failure. Guess what...Lonzo Ball is still playing in the NBA (who has guaranteed contracts) so regardless this family is going to win. Lavar Ball would rather take the risk turning down numerous sponsorship offers to build his own empire.
5. What if...
This was a huge epidemic that I have been thinking about. What if all 3 Ball brothers make it to the NBA? What if all 3 of the Ball brothers are wearing the ZO2's now? Would the shoe popularity raise significantly? Would the price continue to rise? Just something to think about.
Personally, I love the idea that Lavar Ball has in store for Lonzo. I personally would not buy this shoe because the price is absolutely absurd and the shoe is not my type. I love the thought of change. We are so accustomed to the norm in today's society but all it takes is one person to do it differently. I support the ZO2 shoe but I think Lavar should bring the price down to $195.
