NBA News Roundup, April 3rd, 2019: Luke Walton could be fired, Lonzo Ball sues Big Baller Brand co-founder and more

After another year of exciting action, the 2018/19 NBA season is quickly coming to a close. The playoffs are set to begin in less than two weeks' time, with a number of the league's strugglers are already turning their attention towards the postseason.

Due to this, there is a number of stories emerging around the NBA, and here is all the latest news that you need to know for April 3rd.

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Lonzo Ball files a suit against Alan Foster, co-founder of Big Baller Brand

Lonzo Ball has been the face of the Big Baller Brand

Much of the last week's news cycle has focused on the potential break-up between Lonzo Ball and the Big Baller Brand. The controversy emerged when it was reported that company co-founder and close family friend Alan Foster was embezzling millions of dollars to his personal account. Lonzo subsequently distanced himself from the brand, covered up his Big Baller Brand tattoo, and also hinted that he would be moving over to Nike.

The fallout also seems destined to continue as ESPN's Ramona Shelburne is reporting that Ball is now suing Foster:

In court documents obtained by ESPN, which were filed electronically on Tuesday night in Los Angeles Superior Court and expected to be processed Wednesday morning, Ball alleges that "shortly after his release from prison, Foster embarked on his plan to target Ball and his family" and then "fleeced them of millions of dollars" by "creating a variety of corporate entities in which he gave himself ownership interests and managerial control."

The Big Baller Brand was launched in 2016 by Lonzo's father LaVar and the brand quickly gained attention due to sneakers being price at $495. The brand also made Lonzo the first player since LeBron James to enter the NBA with his own signature shoe line.

The Washington Wizards have fired president Ernie Grunfeld

After a disappointing campaign, the Wizards have fired Ernie Grunfeld (Picture Credit - Sports Illustrated)

After a season of turmoil, the Washington Wizards have announced the immediate departure of Ernie Grunfeld. Despite the weakened state of the Eastern Conference, the Wizards have failed to contend for a playoff spot this season, and the team released the following statement regarding Grunfeld's departure:

'We did not meet our stated goals of qualifying for the playoffs this season and, despite playing with injuries to several key players, we have a culture of accountability and a responsibility of managing to positive outcomes'

The former Knicks player had been with the franchise since 2003, and during his 16 seasons, the Wizards managed to reach the playoffs on eight occasions. His final record stands at 568-724, although Washington's 32-46 record so far this season proved to be the final nail in the coffin.

Luke Walton is expected to be fired by the Lakers

Luke Walton has failed to deliver playoff basketball during LeBron James' first season in Los Angeles

LeBron James' arrival in Los Angeles last summer was expected to transform the Lakers' into one of the NBA's contending teams, however, despite starting the season brightly, a dismal run of form in 2019 has left the team without playoff basketball for a sixth consecutive season.

Due to this, a summer of change is expected within the organisation, and oddsmakers are all-but-certain that head coach Luke Walton will be fired. Walton is currently listed at -1500 to be out of L.A, and Miami Heat assistant Juwan Howard has emerged as the surprise leading contender to take over as the new head coach.

LeBron James' discontent with Walton's coaching methods have been reported all season long, and it appears that Magic Johnson is finally willing to appease his franchise player.