LiAngelo Ball Defends Tipping $10 on $400 Bills, Calls 20% Gratuity “Out of Control” [Video]

LiAngelo Ball has the internet divided after revealing that he doesn’t follow the standard 20% tipping rule, no matter how big the bill. During a recent episode of the “Ball in the Family Podcast,” Gelo made it clear: even on a $400 dinner, he’s likely only dropping a $10 or $20 tip unless the server really impresses him.

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Joined by his brother Lonzo Ball and co-hosts Darren “D-Mo” Moore, Anthony “Ant” Salazar, and special guest Michael Porter Jr., the group dove into controversial internet takes, and one hot topic was tipping culture in the U.S. Gelo didn’t hesitate to say what many wouldn’t: he thinks the 20% rule is out of pocket.

“If I’m at a restaurant, I’ll leave a little tip,” Gelo said, before pointing out that the quality of service, not the size of the bill, determines how much he gives.

“I could have a $400 meal and still only leave $10 or $20, depending on how the service was. That’s how I rock,” he explained.

He admitted that if he’s trying to make a good impression or really likes the waiter, he might throw a bigger tip, maybe $100, but that’s rare. For him, the tipping standard just doesn’t make sense when applied across the board.

“I ain’t tipping 20%, I’m not gonna lie,” he added. “If you were great, maybe you get a $20. If you were just there, that’s a $10. That’s it.”

Gelo even extended his philosophy to food delivery apps like Uber Eats, questioning why someone would leave 20% on a $250 order when the work is essentially the same as dropping off a $20 order.

That’s where his brother Lonzo came in to offer a different perspective. Lonzo said he usually sticks to the 20% rule, especially when the service is solid and the check doesn’t already include gratuity. He explained that when he goes out with his girlfriend, they’ll spend anywhere between $600 to $800, and in his mind, 20% is reasonable if the server helped make the night special.

The conversation emerges as the subject of tipping in America continues to be a point of debate for those in the service industry.