A few thousand dollars worth of missing money is enough to set someone on edge, but $1.5 million? Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball has reportedly severed ties with longtime friend and Big Baller apparel co-founder Alan Foster after over a million dollar has gone missing from his personal and business accounts. Ball told ESPN that Foster "used his access to my business and personal finances to enrich himself. As a result, I have decided to sever all ties with Alan, effective immediately."
Foster has known Ball since he was a seventh grader and helped in establishing the NBA star's Big Baller brand. ESPN reported on Foster's sketchy criminal past that includes a seven-year stint in prison for mail fraud and money laundering. "This dude is one of the smartest suckers ever," LaVar Ball told ESPN when speaking of Foster in 2017. "He knows how everything goes...He was like, 'I'll tell you what. You're going to put all the work in with your boys. I'll come back and run the agency. Whatever you need me to do. Let me do it, though.’”
Sources claim that Ball's financial adviser, Humble Lukanga of Life Line Financial Group, began to notice that something was wrong back in October. It's also said that Ball has been vocal about his concerns about Foster, but he's leaned on his father, LaVar Ball, to handle the situation. LaVar issued a statement to ESPN regarding the missing money and the split from Foster, calling the situation "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."
Darren Moore, Ball's personal manager said, "Alan Foster was more than a trusted adviser. He was a mentor, a father figure and someone Lonzo and I respected, loved and listened to. ... I'm proud of Lonzo for waking up and taking back his power. Together, we will fight for justice."
ESPN reports that Foster initially agreed for a sit down interview about the allegations, but ultimately didn't respond when they followed up with him. The Lakers declined to comment on the situation.
