Hey there, basketball fans! If you’ve ever heard the name Lavar Ball Career Stats, you probably know him as the loud, proud dad who’s been hyping up his sons—Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo—like they’re the next dynasty in the NBA. But before he became the king of bold predictions and Big Baller Brand, LaVar was a beast on the court himself. Standing at 6’6″ and built like a tank at around 250 pounds, he had the size, the athleticism, and that unbreakable confidence that still shines through today.
In this article, we’re diving deep into LaVar Ball’s career stats. We’ll break it down from his high school days, through his wild college journey across three schools, and even touch on why he never cracked the pros in basketball (though he did give football a shot). Whether you’re a kid just discovering hoops or a longtime fan reminiscing about the ’80s, I’ll keep it simple, fun, and straight from the heart—like chatting courtside with an old friend. No jargon, just the good stuff: numbers, stories, and what they really mean.
LaVar’s path wasn’t a straight shot to stardom. It was full of transfers, records, and that signature Ball swagger. By the end, you’ll see how his stats fueled the fire for his family’s NBA dreams. Let’s lace up and get started!
The Early Days: High School Hoops at Canoga Park
Picture this: It’s the mid-1980s in sunny Los Angeles, and a young LaVar Ball is tearing up the court and the gridiron at Canoga Park High School. Back then, multi-sport athletes were the norm, and LaVar was the ultimate two-way star. He slung passes as the quarterback for the football team, but basketball? That was where his heart really beat.
Specific per-game stats from his high school era are a bit fuzzy—old records from that time aren’t as digitized as today’s highlight reels—but we do know LaVar was a force. As a forward, he used his size to dominate the paint, grabbing boards like they owed him money and finishing strong at the rim. Scouts and coaches whispered about his raw power; at 6’6″, he could dunk with ease and block shots like a human wall.
One thing stands out: LaVar’s rebounding touch. Even in high school, he was snagging balls out of the air with authority, setting the stage for the records he’d break later. He wasn’t just playing; he was performing, drawing crowds with his energy and trash-talk that probably echoed his future mic-drop moments. Canoga Park wasn’t a powerhouse program, but LaVar made it exciting. His dual-sport grind built the foundation for his college dreams—he graduated in 1985 with eyes on bigger courts.
Those high school years taught LaVar resilience. Football sharpened his toughness, basketball his finesse. Little did he know, this combo would help him navigate the ups and downs ahead. If you’re just starting out in sports, take a page from young LaVar: Play hard, play smart, and always back it up with heart.
College Career: A Rollercoaster of Transfers and Triumphs
Ah, college basketball—the big leagues for dreamers. LaVar’s journey here was anything but ordinary. He bounced between three schools over a few years, chasing playing time and proving his worth. Starting at a junior college, he exploded with stats that turned heads. But Division I? That brought challenges. Let’s break it down school by school, like chapters in an epic underdog story.
West Los Angeles College (1985-1987): Where the Legend Began
LaVar kicked off his college hoops at West Los Angeles College (WLAC), a junior college in the Western State Conference. This was his proving ground—no fancy arenas, just pure, gritty ball. Coming in with limited high school experience on the court (thanks to football), LaVar quickly adapted and dominated.
In his freshman year (1985-86), he shattered the school’s single-season rebounding record with a whopping 316 boards. That’s like snatching every loose ball in sight! His sophomore season (1986-87) was even better: He averaged 22.2 points and 12.0 rebounds per game. Imagine that—a double-double machine in community college, dropping buckets and cleaning the glass.
One game still gets talked about: The 1986 season opener against Porterville College. LaVar went off for 33 points and 18 rebounds in a 102-89 blowout. He was unstoppable, using his strength to bully defenders and his leaping ability to finish over them. WLAC’s offense ran through him, and he thrived. These stats weren’t just numbers; they showed LaVar’s potential. He was a rebounding beast who could score when it counted. After two years, he transferred up to Division I, hungry for more.
Washington State University (1987-88): The Division I Reality Check
Next stop: Washington State Cougars in the Pac-10 (now Pac-12). This was the jump to big-time college ball—sold-out crowds, national TV, and tougher competition. LaVar arrived as a starting forward, but things didn’t click like at WLAC. The coach emphasized defense and ball movement over individual scoring, which cramped LaVar’s freewheeling style.
Over 26 games, his per-game averages dipped to 2.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists, with a field goal percentage of 40.4% and free throws at 45%. Ouch. Playing time was limited—about 2 minutes per game, by his own telling—and the team struggled to a dismal season. LaVar later joked (or half-joked) that the coach benched him to “teach a lesson,” but those stats sting on paper.
Still, don’t sleep on this chapter. LaVar brought energy off the bench, and rare highlights show him throwing down dunks and battling in the post. It wasn’t his highlight reel, but it built character. Division I humbled him, pushing him to transfer again for a fresh start. If life’s thrown you curveballs, think of LaVar here: Stats down, spirit up.
Cal State Los Angeles (1989-90): Back to Dominance in Division II
LaVar wasn’t done. He dropped back to Division II at Cal State Los Angeles Golden Eagles, linking up with three of his brothers for some family flair. This felt like home—familiar competition, more touches, and a chance to shine.
In the 1989-90 season, he averaged 15.8 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, earning All-CCAA First Team honors. That’s conference-level respect! He was a double-digit scorer again, using his size to post up and crash the offensive glass. Teaming with his siblings added that extra motivation; games turned into family affairs on the court.
CSULA wasn’t a national powerhouse, but LaVar’s stats helped steady the ship. He graduated with a degree in criminal justice (dreaming of being a U.S. Marshal), but basketball had etched its mark. This final college stop reminded everyone: When given the keys, LaVar could drive.
Lavar Ball Career Stats: The Numbers in Black and White
To make sense of it all, here’s a simple table summing up LaVar’s key basketball stats. I’ve kept it straightforward—no overwhelming columns, just the essentials. Per-game averages for high school aren’t available (blame the ’80s tech), so I’ve noted totals where they shine. College totals aren’t fully detailed in records, but these captures the highlights.
| Level/Season | School/Team | Games Played | PPG (Points) | RPG (Rebounds) | APG (Assists) | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High School (1981-85) | Canoga Park HS | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Multi-sport star; dominated as forward/quarterback |
| Freshman (1985-86) | West LA College | ~30 | ~20 | ~10.5 (316 total) | N/A | Set school rebound record; 33 PTS/18 REB vs. Porterville |
| Sophomore (1986-87) | West LA College | 28 | 22.2 | 12.0 | N/A | Double-double machine; explosive scorer |
| Junior (1987-88) | Washington State | 26 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 1.0 | Limited PT; defensive focus; FG% 40.4% |
| Senior (1989-90) | Cal State LA | ~28 | 15.8 | 8.9 | N/A | All-CCAA 1st Team; family squad vibes |
| Career Totals (College) | All Schools | ~112 | ~15.0 (est.) | ~8.5 (est.) | ~0.8 (est.) | 3 schools, 1 record, endless hustle |
Notes: Estimates based on available data; high school lacks per-game logs. PPG/RPG are averages; totals like rebounds are season-specific where noted.
This table tells the tale: LaVar was a rebounding monster early on, a steady contributor late, and a fighter in between. Total college rebounds likely topped 800—impressive for any era!
Why No NBA? The Pivot to Football and Fatherhood
So, with those college numbers, why didn’t LaVar light up the NBA? Simple: Timing and fit. After CSULA, the league was stacked with forwards like Charles Barkley (his idol) and Larry Bird. LaVar tried out for the New York Jets in football as a tight end but got loaned to the London Monarchs in the World League (1995). His “stats” there? A humble 28 kickoff return yards and zero receptions in one season. No touchdowns, but he suited up pro-style.
Basketball-wise, LaVar played some rec leagues post-college, where videos show him still dunking with flair (even if he got posterized once). But life called elsewhere. He met Tina (another college baller) at CSULA, started a family, and channeled his energy into training his sons. No regrets—those stats became lessons: Rebound from setbacks, score your own way.
Legacy: From Stats to Stardom-Maker
LaVar Ball’s career stats might not scream Hall of Famer, but they whisper resilience. 316 rebounds at WLAC? That’s grit. 15.8 PPG at CSULA? That’s skill. And those low D-I numbers? Proof that heart outlasts hype.