Lonzo Ball planned to undergo a surgery unauthorized by the Los Angeles Lakers on his left ankle. The surgery was planned by his estranged former business partner Alan Foster.

The Ball family had experience with the doctor who would perform the procedure as he had also operated on LiAngelo Ball.

The Lakers informed Ball they would not allow the surgery and could void his contract if he went through with the procedure.

Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka communicated with those around Ball and worked to bring him back to Los Angeles.