Facebook is "moving forward with its push into video content," greenlighting a "yet-to-be-titled docuseries about the Ball family," according to Denise Petski of DEADLINE. The number and length of episodes featuring LaVar Ball and his sons Lonzo, LaMelo and LiAngelo are "still to be determined" (DEADLINE.com, 7/3). BUSINESS INSIDER's Tyler Lauletta wrote this "looks like a match made in heaven for all parties involved." Facebook "wants to establish itself as a place for entertainment, and LaVar Ball has a proven ability to attract eyeballs and play to the camera." He is almost certain to "provide the social network with plenty of content to edit together into an entertaining story." The deal also "offers him a path to follow through on his rising star power and will give him ample opportunity to continue promoting the Big Baller Brand" (BUSINESSINSIDER.com, 7/5). CBSSPORTS.com's Jack Maloney wrote it will be "interesting to see exactly what the show focuses on, and how long the episodes will be, but with LaVar involved, there's little doubt that this show should be pretty entertaining" (CBSSPORTS.com, 7/5).
PLAYING THE PESKY NEIGHBOR...: In DC, Des Bieler noted every good reality show "needs conflict" and wondered if 76ers C Joel Embiid can "please be a recurring character." Embiid would be a "sure bet to provide fireworks, given his public antipathy for Ball." The latest example came yesterday, when Embiid was "interacting with fans on Instagram Live." In apparent reaction to a comment he saw in his stream, Embiid said, “Man, f— Lavar Ball” (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 7/5).
