With LaMelo Ball in Charlotte, Odds Set for LaVar to Play Michael Jordan 1-on-1
- With the Hornets drafting LaMelo Ball, could we see LaVar Ball versus Michael Jordan on the court?
- LaVar has previously claimed he could beat MJ in a one-on-one
- Odds are available on LaVar versus Michael with His Airness rightfully favored
Drafting LaMelo Ball doesn’t just mean the Charlotte Hornets have landed the favorite in the 2021 Rookie of the Year odds – they get the whole Ball family circus, and the attention that comes with it. Of course, that includes the ever-outspoken father, LaVar.
Ball has made more than his fair share of outrageous claims (Lonzo being better than Steph Curry was a personal favorite). His boldest shout might have been believing he can beat Michael Jordan one-on-one several years ago.
Two of his sons have been drafted in the top three since then – the only brothers in NBA history to be selected so high – and Ball has given countless radio and television interviews.
We are yet to witness the LaVar versus MJ showdown on the court – will we get to see it now LaMelo is a Hornet?
LaVar Ball vs Michael Jordan 1-on-1 Game Odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| LaVar Ball | +125 |
| Michael Jordan | -165 |
Odds taken on November 24th
Possibility of a Game Even Happening?
One thing we know about Michael Jordan is that he absolutely loves making money. He’s always been a businessman, even when he was dominating the league on the court. Now the owner of one of the least relevant franchises in the NBA, could the six-time champion find a way to attract some attention to his franchise by facing off against LaVar?
LaVar has already floated the idea of making it a pay-per-view event. In an ESPN story, he mentioned the money people spent to see Mike Tyson fight, even at 50 years old. Although only a tongue-in-cheek suggestion at this point, it’s the sort of thing LaVar will view as a realistic possibility. Ball will do anything to have the cameras on him – that must include being humiliated on a basketball court.
LaVar might really have to play MJ 1-on-1 if the Hornets draft LaMelo 💀 pic.twitter.com/JIr9foq9iy
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 18, 2020
A one-on-one with LaVar is unlikely to help the Hornets on or off the court, but if it can rake in a bit of revenue it could give MJ a bit more cash to splash on misjudged free agent contracts.
Would MJ do it?
When the prospect was first mentioned by LaVar, Jordan was typically dismissive of the idea. He said, “I don’t think he could beat me if I was one-legged.”
Maybe a one-legged, 57-year-old Jordan would still beat the 53-year-old LaVar. It’s not going to be the greatest display of athleticism anyway. Neither are in prime physical condition, and it’s hard to see either having a major advantage in that area.
Lavar Ball: “I could beat Michael Jordan in one on one!”
MJ: pic.twitter.com/5s7t3RYiS3
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) November 19, 2020
There have been rumors, though, of Jordan going one-on-one with his players since becoming an NBA owner. He’s still got the mobility to take the court with professional athletes, as Michael Kidd-Gilchrist knows all too well (admittedly seven years ago).
No One Can Stop Jordan
If anything, it’s a surprise to see Jordan only at -165. LaVar has no chance against MJ.
Lavar : ”Now we can play 1 on 1!”
MJ: pic.twitter.com/w0LnKWEmZg
— Foot Locker (@footlocker) November 19, 2020
Could we even imagine how painful it would be if LaVar actually won? Would he ever stop talking about it? Jordan knows that as well as anyone. There’s no way he’s letting it get close – there would be trash talking and probably pretty brutal defense.
MJ is only agreeing to play LaVar if he thinks he can win. Even if he’s not exactly in basketball shape, he’d have time to prepare, and we’re talking about one of the most competitive people in the history of sport – of course he’s going to practise. All the money would be on Jordan at that price.
Sam Cox is a freelance writer and sports junkie, who has spent the past several years immersed in the online gaming industry. He has worked with 888sport, Oddschecker, and Colossus Bets to name a few. Based in the UK, Sam also runs Franchise Sports with his brother.
