Check out the news that highlighted the day in the NBA — including Lonzo Ball’s decision to sue Alan Foster, Russell Westbrook’s emotional night and more.
Lakers’ Ball files suit against BBB co-founder | ESPN
Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball filed suit against Alan Foster, the former manager and co-founder of Big Baller Brand, for damages of more than $2 million plus interest, with allegations that Foster “conspired to embezzle millions of dollars and then divert those funds for his personal use, including to acquire assets in Ethiopia.”
According to Ball, Foster, who is a friend of Lonzo’s father, LaVar, had “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.”
Can confirm Lonzo Ball is suing Big Baller Brand co-founder Alan Foster. The suit has not been processed yet but that is expected to happen tomorrow. Ball alleges Foster stole money from him while managing his family’s finances.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) April 3, 2019
Westbrook honors slain rapper with 20-20-20 game | ESPN
Russell Westbrook had a fantastic night in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers, becoming the second player to post a 20-20-20 game after Wilt Chamberlain. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard had 20 points, 21 assists, and 20 rebounds, and he dedicated his performance to the rapper Nipsey Hussle who was shot and killed Sunday outside his clothing store in Los Angeles.
“Grateful to play the game, but that wasn’t for me, man. That was for my bro, man. That was for Nipsey,” Westbrook said after the game. “Rest in peace to Nipsey, man. I’m just thankful to go out there and compete at a high level, man. Thankful to have these teammates. Thankful and humbled to go out there and play the game I love.”
🙌🏾💙🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/GTI7xowkG5
— Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) April 1, 2019
Sources: Ja Morant to declare for NBA draft | ESPN
According to the sources close to ESPN, Ja Morant, the Murray State Racers sophomore guard, will declare for the upcoming NBA Draft. Morant is the No. 2 prospect in ESPN’s draft ratings behind Zion Williamson. He averaged 24.5 points, 10 assists (1st in the country), and 5.7 rebounds per game this season.
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨#RacerNation, We have some exciting news to share with you this evening! Join us tonight at 6pm over at the CFSB Center for a special announcement with @RacersHoops Ja Morant ( @igotgame_12 )! #GoRacers 🏇🏀 pic.twitter.com/ceoxrz4K33
— Murray State Sports (@MSURacers) April 3, 2019
Lithuanian prospect Sirvydis enters NBA draft | ESPN
Deividas Sirvydis, the Lithuanian forward who plays for Lietuvos Rytas, made himself eligible for the 2019 NBA draft after submitting the paperwork. At the moment, he is No. 48 prospect in the ESPN Top 100 and considering that he’s only 18, the bright future is awaiting the young player.
“It has always been my dream to play in the NBA, and as such, I am thrilled to be declaring for the NBA draft,” Sirvydis told ESPN. “That being said, my sole focus remains on finishing my season with Lietuvos Rytas, which I am hopeful will end by winning the Lithuanian league championship.”
Lithuanian Deividas Sirvydis of Lietuvos Rytas, the #48 prospect in the ESPN 100, has entered the NBA draft, he informed ESPN. "It has always been my dream to play in the NBA, and as such, I am thrilled to be declaring for the draft." ESPN News Story: https://t.co/zwgp7Aayfk
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 3, 2019
Source: Sixers to sign veteran center Monroe | ESPN
Greg Monroe, a former Detroit Pistons center, will become the Philadelphia 76ers’ new player after the team waive Justin Patton, according to ESPN source. Monroe didn’t play since February after the Brooklyn Nets waived him but he did appear in 40 games this season (38 for Toronto), averaging 4.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per contest. He will join Boban Marjanovic as a backup center to Joel Embiid.
Veteran center Greg Monroe plans to sign with the #76ers tomorrow, a league source tells ESPN. Philadelphia will waive center Justin Patton and Monroe will then sign.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 3, 2019
