Lonzo Ball Announces Unfortunate Personal News After 7th NBA Season

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Lonzo Ball Announces Unfortunate Personal News After 7th NBA Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Apr 20, 2026 4:59 PM ET

Lonzo Ball did not have the 2025-26 NBA season he was hoping for. The former Los Angeles Lakers guard began the season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, appearing in 35 games and averaging 4.6 points on 30.1% shooting, 4.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 20.8 minutes per game. But ahead of the trade deadline, Ball was dealt to the Utah Jazz before being waived the same day, unable to find a team.

Ball was one of the top prospects coming out of UCLA, being selected by the Lakers with the No. 2 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Yet Los Angeles elected to trade him to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Anthony Davis after just two seasons, and since then, Ball has been unable to stay healthy, even missing both the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball passes in the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Shortly after being drafted in 2017, Ball celebrated by adding to his family, getting a Rottweiler and naming him Deuce. The dog was named after Ball’s No. 2 draft slot, along with the No. 2 jersey number he adopted upon entering the NBA. The point guard even noted in a previous interview that the pup was his favorite Christmas gift he has ever received.

But on Monday, with Ball’s seventh NBA season officially over, the free agent guard shared some sad news, revealing that Deuce, who was born in 2017, has passed away. He announced the update on social media, sharing a photo of his dog as well.

"Long Live The Realest ," Ball wrote on Instagram. "Forever in our hearts RIP DEUCE "

Even his brother, former Charlotte Hornets guard LiAngelo Ball, was saddened by Lonzo's announcement, leaving his thoughts in the comments: "Deuceyman ."

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While Ball still awaits his NBA future, a couple of his former teams are looking to advance in the NBA Playoffs. The Lakers hold a 1-0 first-round lead over the Houston Rockets, and the Cavaliers are looking to go up 2-0 against the Toronto Raptors on Monday night.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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