Los Angeles Lakers star Lonzo Ball and his family have severed ties with Alan Foster, a long-time friend of LaVar Ball and a co-founder of Big Baller Brand, due to his alleged involvement in a small fortune tied to the Balls and their company recently going missing.
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Paul Lavigne, concerns about Foster's business decisions and communications were first raised by Lonzo Ball's financial advisor, Humble Lukanga, last fall. Lukanga argued in October that the personal taxes of Ball and business taxes of Big Ball Brand could not be completed on time because of the Ball family's inability to account for the whereabouts of $1.5 million of earned income.
LaVar Ball, who reportedly ignored initial questions asked about Foster's potential illicit activity and didn't review allegedly inculpatory documents until last week, issued a statement to ESPN condemning his friend and former business partner.
“I've always believed in the best in people. Regretfully, I put my complete trust in Alan Foster to manage my son's business affairs,” he said. “At the end of the day, family comes first, and I support Zo wholeheartedly. Together, we will make this right.”
Additional worries developed earlier this month when reporters asked Lonzo Ball if he knew that Foster, who owns 16.3 percent of Big Baller Brand, had a prior criminal record for mail fraud and money laundering. When contacted by ESPN for an interview on the matter at hand, Foster was initially receptive but ultimately became evasive, calling off multiple planned meetings before finally suggesting an interview next week because he's “super busy.”
Ball, who struggled as a sophomore before going down with a season-ending ankle injury on January 19th, averaged 9.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game for the Lakers while shooting 40.6 percent from the floor for the Lakers this season.
Follow Us
Subscribe