Early this weekend, Lonzo Ball cut ties with Big Baller Brand co-founder Alan Foster over allegations of fraud and embezzlement. Soon after, the Los Angeles Lakers point guard deleted all traces of BBB and his outspoken father, LaVar, off his Instagram, while hinting towards the possibility of signing an endorsement deal with Nike.
Ball’s teammate, LeBron James, is the most prominent athlete representing Nike. The star forward spoke to the LA Times’ Tania Ganguli about his thoughts on the situation but stopped short of confirming Ball’s move to the iconic brand:
“I love the fact that he’s taking control of his [stuff],” James said. “I mean, he’s, that’s what’s really, really dope to me. Once I saw that story I just seen a kid turning into a man. ‘This is my career and I’m taking this. I done had enough with — whatever. I done had enough. Whatever. If I’m not going to be successful, I’m not going to be successful on my terms.’ I saw a lot of that. We’ll see.”
LeBron seems to have taken a liking to Lonzo despite their short time together, even telling Ganguli that he would love “the kid regardless of what shoe he had on.”
James also has a history with LaVar Ball who criticized the superstar before he agreed to sign with the Lakers.
The most important situation here is Lonzo taking control of his career and surrounding himself with only trustworthy associates. That will pay dividends on and off the court.
