LiAngelo Ball, often overshadowed by his NBA star brothers Lonzo and LaMelo, has forged a new path in the music industry. Performing under the moniker “G3,” Ball’s transition from basketball to music has proven to be a massive success, driven by the viral popularity of his track “Tweaker.”
This success recently landed him a record deal worth up to $13 million with Def Jam and Universal Music Group, including $8 million guaranteed. The track, which debuted on January 3, quickly captured the attention of fans and professionals alike, evoking nostalgic vibes reminiscent of 2000s hip-hop.
The song’s infectious hook and beat propelled it beyond the basketball court, with NBA and NFL locker rooms vibing to it, social media buzzing, and even Inside the NBA co-host Shaquille O’Neal dancing along on-air. Influential artists like Lil Yachty, T-Pain, and Joe Budden also praised the song, further elevating its status.
LiAngelo’s record deal is a testament to his growing influence in the music industry. The guaranteed $8 million portion of his contract places him above the 2025 earnings of 151 active NBA players, including Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard and Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren.
Even Russell Westbrook, a former league MVP, is set to earn less with his two-year deal averaging $3.3 million annually.
Though he hasn’t played a single minute in an NBA regular-season game, Ball’s music has made its way into the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers locker rooms, as well as the Detroit Lions’. On social media, Tweaker inspired viral dance challenges, and even NBA teams incorporated the song into their game-day content.
During a Pistons game, LiAngelo’s brother, LaMelo Ball, witnessed Tweaker’s impact firsthand. A TikTok user rapped the lyrics from the stands, catching LaMelo’s attention and prompting him to laugh. That night, LaMelo delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 35 points and securing a win for his team.
A new chapter after basketball
While LiAngelo may not have achieved his dream of playing in the NBA alongside his brothers, his journey into the music world has allowed him to redefine his legacy.
After going undrafted in 2018, he pursued basketball in Lithuania, played in LaVar Ball’s JBA league, and had a brief stint in the NBA G-League before joining a team in Mexico. However, it’s his music career that has finally put him in the spotlight.
With Tweaker continuing to climb the charts and his record deal placing him among the industry’s elite, LiAngelo Ball has proved that success comes in many forms. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the value of persistence and reinvention.
