Ex-L.A Lakers player DJ Mbenga sued by jewelry company
Former Los Angeles Lakers player DJ Mbenga has been sued by a jewelry company after he allegedly bailed out of purchasing a pinky ring worth $16,000.
According to reports, 31-year-old DJ Mbenga — whose real name is Didier Ilunga-Mbenga — is being sued by a Texas jewelry company called Lemmerman’s, which calls itself “The Player’s Choice.” The lawsuit states that Mbenga ordered $59,750 worth of jewelry back in 2010, which includes a $16,000 diamond pinky ring, several bracelets and a $3,750 Polanti watch.
Lemmerman’s claims DJ Mbenga paid the jewelry company $10,000, but when it came to collect the remaining $49,750, the basketball star refused to pay.
Now, Lemmerman’s is suing Mbenga, seeking the money they say they are owed, plus attorney fees.
Attempts to reach the basketball player for comment were unsuccessful.
DJ Mbenga is an eight-year NBA vet who rode the bench with the Lake Show when they won two NBA championship rings in 2009 and 2010.
Mbenga made his first start for the Los Angeles Lakers on November 6, 2009 against the Memphis Grizzlies. Two days later, he recorded his first career double double with ten points and twelve rebounds in addition to four blocks against the New Orleans Hornets. On April 9, 2010 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Mbenga set a new career high by scoring 11 points. On June 17, 2010, he won his second NBA title after his Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in the Finals.
During his stay in Los Angeles, he became a crowd favorite and acquired the nickname “Congo Cash.”
On October 13, 2010, DJ Mbenga signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Hornets.