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.