Rise to Success: Career Highlights of LaMelo Ball

How LaMelo Ball built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

LaMelo Ball is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA. Drafted third overall in 2020 by the Hornets, Ball quickly made a name for himself, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2021. His impact continued, and he was selected as an NBA All-Star in 2022, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2013: Played on Big Ballers VXT

In 2013, while in seventh grade, LaMelo Ball began playing with his brothers on Big Ballers VXT, an AAU team coached by his parents.

March 5, 2016: Won CIF Southern Section Open Division title

On March 5, 2016, LaMelo Ball scored 26 points in a win over Sierra Canyon School to win the CIF Southern Section Open Division title.

December 26, 2016: Made Half-Court Shot

On December 26, 2016, LaMelo Ball gained national attention for making a half-court shot just two seconds into a game.

February 4, 2017: First High School Loss

On February 4, 2017, LaMelo Ball experienced his first high school loss, with Oak Hill Academy ending Chino Hills' 60-game win streak, despite Ball scoring a game-high 36 points.

August 31, 2017: Melo Ball 1 Released

On August 31, 2017, Big Baller Brand released a signature shoe for LaMelo Ball called the Melo Ball 1 (MB1). He became the youngest athlete to ever have a signature shoe.

PUMA Mens MB1 376813 01 Be You - Size 10.5

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December 11, 2017: Signed with Prienai

On December 11, 2017, LaMelo Ball signed with Prienai of the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) along with his brother, LiAngelo, reportedly becoming the youngest American to sign a professional basketball contract.

January 13, 2018: Professional Debut

On January 13, 2018, LaMelo Ball made his professional debut with Prienai, going scoreless in five minutes against Lietkabelis.

May 4, 2018: Signed with Los Angeles Ballers

On May 4, 2018, LaMelo Ball signed with the Los Angeles Ballers of the Junior Basketball Association (JBA), a league created by his father.

November 5, 2018: Joined SPIRE Institute and Academy

On November 5, 2018, LaMelo Ball joined SPIRE Institute and Academy in Geneva, Ohio, after skipping his junior year and part of his senior year to play professionally.

November 10, 2018: SPIRE Institute Debut

On November 10, 2018, LaMelo Ball debuted for SPIRE Institute, recording 20 points, 13 assists, and five rebounds in a win over The Hill School.

November 2018: Expressed interest in college basketball

In November 2018, LaMelo Ball expressed interest in playing college basketball upon returning to high school, despite concerns about his eligibility.

2018: Played in the Junior Basketball Association

In 2018, LaMelo Ball played in the Junior Basketball Association (JBA), a league created by his father, after leaving Chino Hills High School due to a coaching dispute.

2018: Five-star recruit

In 2018, LaMelo Ball remained a five-star recruit when he returned to high school after a professional stint.

June 17, 2019: Signed with Illawarra Hawks

On June 17, 2019, LaMelo Ball signed a two-year contract with the Illawarra Hawks of the Australian-based National Basketball League (NBL).

August 2019: Named Leader of the New School

In August 2019, after playing for No Shnacks at the Drew League, LaMelo Ball was named Leader of the New School, an award honoring the league's top rookie.

2019: Played for the Illawarra Hawks

In 2019, LaMelo Ball played in Australia for the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League (NBL) after forgoing college basketball.

2019: Top recruit

In 2019, LaMelo Ball remained a five-star recruit in the 2019 class even after returning to high school from playing professionally.

2019: Ineligible for McDonald's All-American Game

In 2019, LaMelo Ball was ruled ineligible for the McDonald's All-American Game due to his previous professional basketball experience.

January 16, 2020: Sat out remainder of NBL Season

On January 16, 2020, while still sidelined with a foot injury, LaMelo Ball decided to sit out for the remainder of the NBL season to prepare for the NBA draft.

November 18, 2020: Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets

On November 18, 2020, LaMelo Ball was selected with the third overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA draft.

December 23, 2020: NBA Debut

On December 23, 2020, LaMelo Ball made his NBA debut for the Charlotte Hornets, going scoreless in 16 minutes during a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2020: Named NBA Rookie of the Year

After the 2020-2021 NBA season, LaMelo Ball was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and was selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

2020: Drafted by the Hornets

In 2020, LaMelo Ball was drafted third overall by the Charlotte Hornets, following a successful stint with the Illawarra Hawks.

January 8, 2021: First Game Against Lonzo Ball

On January 8, 2021, LaMelo Ball and his brother Lonzo played their first regulation game against each other as the Charlotte Hornets rallied from an 18-point deficit to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 118-110. LaMelo narrowly missed a triple-double, scoring 12 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists.

2021: Hornets Season Opener

During the Hornets' 2021-2022 season opener, LaMelo Ball matched his career-high seven three-pointers while scoring 31 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing seven assists in a 123-122 win over the Indiana Pacers.

2021: Signed with Puma

In 2021, LaMelo Ball signed with Puma.

2021: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2021, LaMelo Ball was voted the NBA Rookie of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance in his debut season.

February 2, 2022: Career-High 38 Points

On February 2, 2022, LaMelo Ball recorded a then career-high 38 points, along with nine assists and five rebounds, in a 113–107 loss to the Boston Celtics.

2022: NBA All-Star

In 2022, LaMelo Ball was named an NBA All-Star, marking his recognition as one of the league's top players.

February 13, 2023: Ties Career-High in Assists

On February 13, 2023, LaMelo Ball recorded 30 points, six rebounds and tied a career-high 15 assists in a 144–138 win over the Atlanta Hawks. He became the first player in Hornets history to record at least 30 points, five rebounds and 15 assists in a game.

July 6, 2023: Signed Contract Extension with Hornets

On July 6, 2023, LaMelo Ball signed a contract extension with the Charlotte Hornets.

October 23, 2024: 34 Points and 11 Assists in Season Opener

On October 23, 2024, in the Hornets' season-opening game, LaMelo Ball put up 34 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists in a 110–105 win over the Houston Rockets. Ball became the first player in Hornets franchise history to drop at least 30 points and 10 assists in a season-opening game.