Malone Files Lawsuit Against Shoe Maker

Karl Malone is suing Dada Footwear, charging the Los Angeles shoe company has failed to pay him $65,000 owed under an endorsement contract.

The suit claims that Dada agreed to make three payments of $25,000 to Malone during the 2003-04 regular season and an additional $40,000 for playing in the NBA Finals, a figure derived from a scale of postseason bonuses that increased as the Lakers advanced in the playoffs. The Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. The suit, filed Tuesday in Orange County Superior Court, alleges Dada has failed to remit the final regular-season payment and the playoff bonus.

Malone, who lives in Newport Coast, announced his retirement Feb. 13. The two-time NBA most valuable player and 14-time All-Star played the final season of his career with the Lakers after 18 years with the Utah Jazz.

A Dada spokeswoman did not return a call seeking comment.

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-- Bill Shaikin