Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball and his agent Harrison Gaines have parted ways according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. This news comes on the heels of Ball severing ties with Big Baller Brand co-founder Alan Foster and suing him for damages of at least $2 million.
“Harrison Gaines has been a trusted advisor and close friend for many years,” Ball told ESPN via a statement. “He guided my NBA career with integrity and always had my best interests at heart. Harrison has always had my back and although we will no longer be working together after mutually deciding to part ways; our relationship will always be bigger than basketball.”
Gaines’ first client was Ball, fresh out of school after one year at UCLA. It is important to note amid the drama with Big Baller Brand that Gaines is not part of the company and founded his own agency called SLASH Sports.
“Lonzo Ball was the first client to sign with me. He has been nothing short of phenomenal and is one of the bright young NBA Stars. I thank him and his family for giving me an opportunity,” Gaines also told ESPN in a statement. “Mutually, we have decided to part ways. I wish Lonzo great success in the future. As I turn this page, I will continue to work hard for all of my clients.” Those clients include a series of former NBA players and one draft prospect, Yale’s Miye Oni.
Ball has not played for the Lakers for several months as he rehabs from an ankle injury. But the questions heading into the summer continue to pile up for the Lakers, who not only have a critical offseason ahead of them but now are involved in this turmoil with Big Baller Brand.
