LaVar Ball Discusses Separation from Tina after 30 Years

The major buzz in basketball circles is the trade of LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Yet, amid the excitement, his father, LaVar Ball, has shared some somber news regarding his personal life.

LaVar revealed in a conversation with podcaster N3on that he and his wife of three decades, Tina, have recently parted ways.

“Well, Tina decided she wanted to lead her life differently. That’s why she isn’t by my side anymore,” Ball explained. “I was okay with her choice. We’ve each moved on.”

LaVar reflected on how this separation altered his perception of Tina, particularly after she faced significant health struggles, including a stroke in February 2017.

“Even after the stroke, I always saw her as beautiful. But now, with her wanting to go a different direction, it’s like… well, my view has changed a bit. That’s just how it is, I guess,” he mentioned, expressing a mix of acceptance and sadness.

He also noted, “Finding lasting love is valuable. I experienced that with her. But I’ve met someone new too, and that’s life.”

Together, LaVar and Tina raised three sons: Lonzo, LaMelo, and LiAngelo. While Lonzo and LaMelo have made their marks in the NBA, LiAngelo has shifted gears and is now pursuing a career in music, having not quite reached the athletic peaks of his brothers.

As for LaVar, he mentioned that he has indeed found companionship after the split but was reserved about sharing further details about his new partner, saying, “It’s someone from my life. Just leave it at that.”

On a health note, LaVar has had a rough time in recent years, having undergone amputation of part of his right leg in 2025, and now uses a prosthetic to move about.

As for Tina’s current dating status, that’s less clear. They were married in 1997 and have shared the journey of raising their boys together for all these years.