Paying attention to appearance is important for professional athletes who are highlighted by various media in each match. That was also what the Los Angeles Lakers coach, Lonzo Ball, was trying to do. He welcomed the 2018-19 season with two new things: shoes and tattoos. Even though it was a controversy, Lonzo Ball still tattooed his arm.
Lonzo Ball and his family have different ways to pursue a career in basketball. When many players compete to find famous shoe brand sponsors, they actually make their own shoes. The shoe is called Big Baller Brand (BBB). Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball have special shoes under the brand managed by their father. BBB ZO2.19 is Lonzo’s special shoe which is the new weapon in the new season.
Despite reaping scorn in the release of the first edition, the second edition of Lonzo shoes is considered to have undergone many developments. In terms of aesthetics, ZO2.19 presents low-top shoes with a new look. This is a form of response to the Prime ZO2, Lonzo’s first shoe, which is valued similar to the Nike Zoom Kobe 7. This shoe is priced at US $ 200, down almost half of the first edition which costs US $ 495.
BBB seems to have high hopes for Lonzo’s new shoes. This can be seen from their different marketing strategies. They use classic 1990s themed advertisements like the work of famous director Spike Lee. He is the figure behind the popularity of Air Jordan 5.
The marketing strategy for the new shoes is also supported by tattoos embedded on the right arm of Lonzo Ball. The arm that is full of tribal patterned tattoos is decorated with the BBB logo close to the elbow.
Unfortunately, the NBA has set a rule that players are prohibited from embedding branded tattoos other than brands that have been registered as sponsors. If this continues, then the player can be punished by a fine. That was already applied to J. Smith who pinned the Supreme logo tattoo on his ankle. As a result, Lonzo had to cover his arms specifically in the part with the BBB tattoo.