A bombshell report by ESPN a few days ago revealed that Big Baller Brand co-owner Alan Foster -- who has previously served time for financial crimes -- likely stole $1.5 million from the mostly Ball family-owned brand.
Nestled in the story was this tidbit about the perceived quality of the BBB kicks Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball wears on the rare occasions he isn't injured.
Lonzo, seen as the future of the Lakers before the arrival of LeBron James, was shut down this season with a severe ankle injury after 47 games. It marked his third separate ankle injury, which left the Lakers searching for what could be the root issue of his troubles -- including asking about his Big Baller Brand shoes.
"Yeah, they talked to me," Lonzo Ball told ESPN two weeks ago. "They asked me about it, and I told 'em, 'I feel comfortable. If I wasn't comfortable, I wouldn't play in 'em. If I didn't play in [his signature BBB shoes], I'd play in Kobe [Bryant's signature Nike shoe]. I work out in [LeBron James' signature Nike shoe], but that's because they're heavier."
Now it looks like Lonzo and the entire Ball family are cutting ties with BBB.
The Ball Family had discussions over the weekend about folding @bigballerbrand and anything associated with Alan Foster. Story coming shortly on ESPN.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) March 25, 2019
Here's Lonzo's manager Darren "DMo" Moore throwing his BBB shoes in the trash.
Lonzo Ball’s manager @dmoore_1 just posted this. 👀 #dumpurmerch pic.twitter.com/VLjkrxSn3u
— B/R Kicks (@brkicks) March 25, 2019
Foster owns 16.3 percent of BBB and manages much of its day-to-day operations.
It's been about two years since LaVar and Lonzo Ball very publically launched BBB. Some people who ordered the kicks back then still haven't received them.
Who would have thought a proud Trump University grad like LaVar would be so bad at business?