LiAngelo Ball Quits G League Low Pay, Pursues Rap Career

LiAngelo Ball, known by his rap name Gelo, left professional basketball primarily due to the low pay in the NBA G League, where he earned only $3,000 a month, which he said was insufficient to cover living expenses. Despite his belief that he still has the talent to play in the NBA and could score 30 points per game, LiAngelo chose to pursue a rap career after signing a lucrative contract reportedly worth between $8 million and $13 million with Def Jam Records. His music career has gained traction with his single "Tweaker" going viral and earning him a spot on the 2025 XXL Freshman List, although his debut album did not chart on the Billboard 200. Coming from a family with NBA stars Lonzo and LaMelo Ball, LiAngelo's shift to music was driven by financial considerations and the desire for a sustainable career. His transition highlights the challenges of making it in professional basketball compared to the quicker financial rewards in music. LiAngelo continues to maintain that he could still compete in the NBA but appreciates having multiple career options now.