LiAngelo Robert Ball, better known as G3 or Gelo, was born on November 24, 1998, in Anaheim, California. Growing up in a family deeply immersed in basketball, he followed in the footsteps of his older brother, Lonzo, and younger brother, LaMelo. Playing alongside them at Chino Hills High School, LiAngelo helped lead the team to a state championship, earning national recognition for his scoring ability and physical style of play.
Originally committed to UCLA, his college basketball career took a sharp turn in 2017 when he was suspended following a shoplifting incident in China. This led him to leave the program and explore professional opportunities overseas, signing with Lithuanian team Prienai in 2018. He later joined the Junior Basketball Association (JBA), a league founded by his outspoken father, LaVar Ball. Despite brief opportunities with the NBA G League’s Oklahoma City Blue and a short stint with the Detroit Pistons, LiAngelo struggled to secure a permanent spot in the NBA.
In 2021, he signed with the Greensboro Swarm, the G League affiliate of the Charlotte Hornets, where his younger brother LaMelo plays. However, injuries and inconsistent playing time continued to hinder his career.
Everything changed in January 2025 when LiAngelo pivoted to music, releasing his debut single, Tweaker. The track quickly went viral, racking up millions of views and earning praise from artists like Meek Mill and T-Pain. His success landed him a $13 million recording deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group, with $8 million guaranteed.
On the personal side, LiAngelo and reality TV star Nikki Mudarris welcomed their son, LaVelo Anthony Ball, in July 2023, followed by their daughter, LaNiyah Nicole Ball, in December 2024.
From basketball hopeful to rising music star, LiAngelo Ball’s story is one of perseverance, reinvention, and unexpected success.