Lonzo Ball Says LaVar Ball Coached Him Harder Than Any NBA Coach

The free agent guard opened up about the differences in coaching styles he's experienced.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 5:20am

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NBA player Lonzo Ball revealed that his father, LaVar Ball, and his former college coach Steve Alford coached him much harder than any of his professional coaches in the NBA. Ball said he had to adjust to the more lenient coaching approach when he entered the league, as he was used to more intense and demanding coaching from his father and college coach.

Why it matters

Lonzo Ball's comments shed light on the unique challenges some young players face when transitioning from intense, hands-on coaching in college or with family to the more relaxed environments of many NBA teams. This insight into Ball's development and coaching preferences could impact how teams approach working with him as he looks for his next NBA opportunity.

The details

Lonzo Ball, who is currently a free agent after being waived by the Utah Jazz in February, said he had to adjust to the coaching style in the NBA compared to the intense training he received from his father, LaVar Ball, and his former college coach Steve Alford. Ball said he was used to harsher feedback and more demanding coaching, whereas NBA coaches were often more lenient when he played poorly. He cited former NBA coaches like Stan Van Gundy as being tougher, but said overall the coaching in the league is not as intense as what he experienced growing up.

  • Lonzo Ball was waived by the Utah Jazz in February 2026.
  • Ball played 35 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier in the 2025-26 NBA season before being traded.

The players

Lonzo Ball

A 28-year-old free agent NBA guard who has played for several teams including the New Orleans Pelicans, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Utah Jazz.

LaVar Ball

Lonzo Ball's father, who is known for his intense coaching style and involvement in his sons' basketball careers.

Steve Alford

Lonzo Ball's former college basketball coach at UCLA.

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What they’re saying

“I felt like I was coached a certain way for a long period of my life, so when I got to the league, this was weird to me. Like if I was playing badly, somebody would be, 'Oh, it's okay.' That wasn't translating to me. I'd rather hear like, 'What the f***? Do your s***.' It was an adjustment. I haven't been around a lot of coaches who are going to get on you like that.”

— Lonzo Ball

What’s next

As a free agent, Lonzo Ball will continue to search for a new NBA team that can provide the right coaching environment and opportunity for him to regain his form after recent injuries.

The takeaway

Lonzo Ball's comments highlight the challenges some young players face when transitioning from intense, demanding coaching styles to the more relaxed environments of many NBA teams. This insight could impact how teams approach working with Ball as he looks for his next NBA opportunity.