So Much for Being a ‘Big Baller’: LaVar Ball’s Middle Son, LiAngelo, Arrested in China Before UCLA’s Season Opener

LaVar Ball loves to talk about how he and his three sons are “big ballers.”

Well, LaVar’s middle son, UCLA freshman guard LiAngelo, sure isn’t acting like one in China ahead of the Bruins’ season-opener vs. Georgia Tech in Shanghai on Friday.

Reports ESPN’s Jeff Goodman:

Three UCLA men’s basketball players — including LiAngelo Ball, the younger brother of the Los Angeles Lakers’ Lonzo Ball — were arrested in China just days before Friday’s season-opening game against Georgia Tech in Shanghai, sources told ESPN’s Jeff Goodman.

One source told ESPN that Ball, Cody Riley and Jalen Hill — all freshmen — were arrested on shoplifting charges.

Multiple calls and texts to UCLA head coach Steve Alford around 1 a.m. local time on Wednesday morning were not immediately returned.

UCLA released a statement: “We are aware of a situation involving UCLA student-athletes in Hangzhou, China. The University is cooperating fully with local authorities on this matter, and we have no further comment at this time.”

Calls to Ball’s father, LaVar, were not immediately returned. Ball previously told ESPN that he was planning on traveling to China for the game, but it is unknown whether he is there.

One source told ESPN that nearly 20 police officers came into the Hyatt Hangzhou around 8 a.m. local time Tuesday and spoke to several Georgia Tech and UCLA players. The players, according to the source, were kept in a room for hours and not allowed to speak to any coaches.