Lonzo Ball Opens Up About The Betrayal From BBB Co-Founder Alan Foster On HBO’s The Shop
In late March of this year, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Paula Lavigne broke a story that Lakers second-year guard Lonzo severs ties with Big Baller Brand co-founder Alan Foster. The reason why both sides are going their separate ways due to a money dispute. Per documents and emails that were review by ESPN, questions about Foster Business practices were first brought to light late last year by Lonzo’s financial adviser. Humble Lukanga of LifeLine Financial Group is the advising company that Lonzo and Lavar were using at the time. They warned the Balls last October via email that Lonzo’s personal taxes and Big Baller’s taxes were not adding up. It turns out 1.5 million was uncounted for.
Per ESPN, a source close to the family said Lonzo had concerns about Foster over the past several months before Lonzo cut ties with him. At first, Lonzo elected to defer to his father Lavar, but he was focused on his duties with his two other sons overseas. When Lavar was finally made aware of the situation, he was “stunned” and told ESPN through a statement and said the situation is “devastating.”
“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,” LaVar said. “At the end of the day, family comes first, and I support Zo wholeheartedly. Together, we will make this right.”
Lonzo Ball was a guest on “The Shop” with Lakers teammate LeBron James, actors Seth Rogen, Avengers: Endgame, Don Cheadle, Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Beats Electronics co-founder Jimmy Iovine, Maverick Carter, Pharrell Williams, Paul Rivera, and Travis Scott. Ball shared that Foster had a room in the house Ball bought his parents.
“When I bought my mom and dad a house, he had a room,” Ball said. “The way I feel about it is different—that’s why I covered up the BBB on my arm. When I saw that, I saw him. When we looked at his transactions, the s**t didn’t start happening until my mom got sick. Because she took care of all the money s**t, that s**t hurt me. I don’t even know what I would do if I saw him.”
“I can tell him [Lavar] anything,” Lonzo said. “That’s the first time I called him, and he literally shut up. I would say that. That was the first time I was like ‘You need to listen.”
Lonzo said that it was tough for him because he has never had to tell his father to stop talking and listen. Lonzo is suing Foster for more than 2 million dollars in damages according to NBA.com.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
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