TMZ: Lonzo Ball, Pelicans Deny Alan Foster Claims About Serious Ankle Injury

Big Baller Brand co-founder Alan Foster said Friday that New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball has torn ligaments in his ankle.

According to TMZ Sports, Foster made the claim in a YouTube video in an effort to "expose" Lonzo and the Ball family after he was ousted from Big Baller Brand and accused of stealing more than $2 million from Lonzo in a lawsuit.

Foster said Ball requires surgery to repair the alleged ligament damage, but both Lonzo and the Pelicans have denied the claims.

After missing time with shoulder and knee injuries in 2017-18 as a rookie with the Los Angeles Lakers, an ankle ailment limited him to 47 games last season. L.A. then shipped him, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and draft picks to the Pelicans for Anthony Davis.

Foster said Ball was about to undergo ankle surgery during the offseason, but the Lakers "freaked out" and sent a jet to bring him back to L.A. since having surgery would have diminished his trade value.

Additionally, Foster claimed Ball could have major health issues if he doesn't have surgery: "If Lonzo doesn't get surgery, he's gonna have another season with the New Orleans Pelicans and he's gonna get injured again."

A Pelicans representative responded by telling TMZ, "The team strongly debunks this and was very aware of Lonzo's injury history and status [before we traded for him]."

The Ball family also released a statement through spokesperson Denise White: "Alan Foster has repeatedly lied, defrauded and stole from the Ball family. Anything he says cannot be trusted."

While Ball failed to live up to his potential as the No. 2 overall pick in L.A., the trade to New Orleans allows him the opportunity to start with a fresh slate.

Ball is part of a supremely talented Pelicans roster that includes young up-and-comers such as Ingram, Hart, 2019 No. 1 overall draft pick Zion Williamson, 2019 No. 8 overall pick Jaxson Hayes and 2019 No. 17 overall pick Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

The Pels also boast a good group of veterans, including guards Jrue Holiday and J.J. Redick, who should both be positive influences on Ball's development provided he can stay healthy.