Lakers asked Lonzo if Big Baller Brand shoes contributed to injuries

Lonzo Ball's repeated ankle issues had the Los Angeles Lakers wondering if his Big Baller Brand shoes were to blame.

According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Paula Lavigne, the Lakers approached Ball earlier this season asking if his signature sneakers played a part in the three separate ankle injuries of his young NBA career.

"Yeah, they talked to me," Ball admitted earlier this month. "They asked me about it, and I told 'em, 'I feel comfortable. If I wasn't comfortable, I wouldn't play in 'em.

"If I didn't play in (his signature BBB shoes), I'd play in Kobe (Bryant's signature Nike shoe). I work out in (LeBron James' signature Nike shoe), but that's because they're heavier."

Ball says he informed the team he would be open to making "minor" tweaks to his Big Baller Brand shoes.

Ball hasn't played since he tore a ligament in his left ankle against the Houston Rockets on Jan. 19. The Lakers announced earlier this month that they had shut down the sophomore for the season. The 21-year-old also missed 30 games in his rookie campaign due to a shoulder issue and an MCL sprain in his left knee.