LaMelo sued by former Big Baller Brand partner over signature shoe

Former Big Baller Brand partner Alan Foster has filed a lawsuit against LaMelo Ball, Puma, and other members of the Ball family over the Charlotte Hornets guard's signature sneaker.

In the lawsuit, which was filed earlier this week in federal court in California, Foster claims he came up with LaMelo's "MB1" sneaker line and filed for several trademarks related to it, according to TMZ Sports.

Foster alleges that LaMelo's father, LaVar Ball, later tried to transfer over the trademarks after creating a second version of Big Baller Brand. Foster also claims that his trademarks were infringed upon when LaMelo created his new signature shoe with Puma, the "MB.01."

"LaMelo was instrumental in creating his first signature shoe with Big Baller Brand," Foster wrote in the suit, according to TMZ. "He was fully aware of the existence of the LaMelo trademarks; he helped design them.

"He knew that his Big Baller Brand signature shoe was called the 'MB1' and that the name was protected by federal trademark. Yet, despite his knowledge of all of this, LaMelo willfully and deliberately chose to name the signature shoe he created and designed with PUMA the 'MB1' in violation of the LaMelo trademarks."

Foster is seeking damages in excess of $200 million.

Foster previously sued LaVar and his eldest son, Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball, in 2019, alleging the Balls embezzled millions from Big Baller Brand to fund a lavish lifestyle. This came after Lonzo sued Foster for more than $2 million, alleging Foster conspired to embezzle millions of dollars and divert the funds for personal use.

LaMelo inked an endorsement deal with Puma prior to the 2020 NBA Draft. He's released three signature sneakers with the brand to date.