BBB

LaVar Ball did his best to reassure fans of the Big Baller Brand that the company is still going strong.

The shoe company's founder spoke to those in attendance at the Big Baller Brand All-American Game on Sunday in Las Vegas:

"If you get behind the Big Baller Brand, I consider you family," he said.

Ball's actual family might not have the same level of support, as Los Angeles Lakers star Lonzo Ball parted ways with Big Baller Brand after a family friend and part owner allegedly couldn't account for $1.5 million.

He also recently had his BBB tattoo covered up.

Meanwhile, the youngest sibling, LaMelo, has also hinted that he could be leaving his father's company, per Andrew Joseph of For The Win.

Still, LaVar Ball appears willing to do what it takes to keep his company going.

The end seems near for the Big Baller Brand.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball, whose father LaVar started the clothing and shoe company in June 2016, reportedly got his BBB tattoo covered up with a pair of dice.

Tattoo artist Herchell Carrasco reportedly did the work (h/t Nick DePaula of ESPN, via Darren Rovell of The Action Network):

BBB has been in the news for all the wrong reasons of late, most notably co-founder Alan Foster.

Per Ramona Shelburne and Paula Lavigne of ESPN.com, Ball "severed ties with a co-founder of Big Baller Brand over concerns that the longtime family friend has a criminal past and also has not adequately accounted for the whereabouts of roughly $1.5 million from Ball's personal and business accounts."

Ball further told ESPN that he believed Foster "used his access to my business and personal finances to enrich himself."

Shelburne further reported the "Ball Family had discussions over the weekend about folding @bigballerbrand and anything associated with Alan Foster."

Darren Moore, Ball's manager, also posted a video of himself throwing BBB shoes in the trash:

Everything is pointing in the direction of BBB closing up shop, a distraction that Ball doesn't need as he recovers from a season-ending ankle injury that prematurely curtailed his sophomore campaign on Jan. 19.

Big Baller Brand, which has become synonymous with Lonzo Ball and the entire Ball family, could be on the verge of closing its doors. 

Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reported the family discussed ending its apparel enterprise over the weekend, along with any other business venture linked to Alan Foster. Lonzo Ball ended his ties with Foster last week, accusing him of using "his access to my business and personal finances to enrich himself," per Shelburne and Paula Lavigne. 

Foster owns 16.3 percent of Big Baller Brand.

LaVar Ball launched the brand in 2016 and acted almost as its sole marketer, wearing apparel on national television and touting it as a competitor to Nike and Adidas. Big Baller Brand drew even more headlines when Lonzo Ball eschewed a traditional shoe deal to launch his own line under the name. 

LaMelo Ball, who is still currently in high school, also has a signature shoe under the brand name.

Foster was instrumental to the entire process, serving as a co-designer and manager; he was essentially LaVar Ball's right-hand man. 

The missing funds were reportedly found by Lonzo's business manager, who had expressed concern over Foster in recent months. Shelburne and Lavigne uncovered that Foster was sentenced in 2002 to seven years in prison due to mail fraud and money laundering charges. 

"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."

As of publication, Big Baller Brand merchandise is still available on the brand's official website. 

Lonzo Ball has severed all ties with Alan Foster, co-founder of Big Baller Brand, because of allegations that Foster took money from the Los Angeles Lakers guard.

Per ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne and Paula Lavigne, Ball accused Foster of using "his access to my business and personal finances to enrich himself" after Foster could not account for approximately $1.5 million that has left Ball's financial accounts. 

Harrison Gaines, Ball's agent, said in a statement he will be taking "a more active role" in his client's career in light of the situation with Foster:

Shelburne and Lavigne noted documents and emails indicated Foster had been questioned by Ball's financial advisors about his business decisions dating back to last fall. 

Sources told Shelburne and Lavigne that Lonzo "expressed his concerns about Foster to his father several times over the past few months but deferred to LaVar to manage the situation."

"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 in a statement. "At the end of the day, family comes first, and I support Zo wholeheartedly. Together, we will make this right."

Foster has been manager of the Big Baller Brand since 2016 and has a 16.3 percent ownership stake in the company. He had been friends with the Ball family since 2010 when his son and Ball developed a friendship in middle school.  

Big Baller Brand emailed customers who pre-ordered ZO2.19 sneakers in October and told them the shipment date, which was originally scheduled for "early 2019," has been delayed to May 2019 "to improve the critical foam used in the midsole."

Nick DePaula of ESPN and Nice Kicks posted the email, part of which is excerpted below:

"During the Performance Test Wear Stage of the Zo2.19, we've decided to improve the critical foam used in the midsole. The enhancement will allow for a better performing shoe at a Pro Level, and will enable you to enjoy the quality and craftsmanship of the Zo2.19 for everyday fashion. Shipment date has been pushed back to May 1st, 2019."

LaVar Ball, who is the father of Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball, began the Big Baller Brand in 2016. The brand received much notoriety in the beginning, most notably because of news that the ZO2 shoe would be put on the market for $495.

Lonzo Ball notoriously eschewed endorsements with other companies to align with BBB, whose product line officially launched with the ZO2 shoe. BBB has since spread to sneakers for Lonzo's brothers, LiAngelo and LaMelo, as well as shirts, sweatshirts and hats, among other items.