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, he quickly made an impact, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2021. His success continued as he was named an NBA All-Star in 2022, solidifying his position as one of the league's promising young talents.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2013: Played with Big Ballers VXT

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

March 5, 2016: CIF Southern Section Open Division Title

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

August 31, 2017: Melo Ball 1 Signature Shoe Release

On August 31, 2017, Big Baller Brand released LaMelo Ball's signature shoe, the Melo Ball 1 (MB1). This made him the youngest athlete ever to have a signature shoe, marking a significant achievement in his career.

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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) with his brother, LiAngelo.

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 the Los Angeles Ballers

On May 4, 2018, LaMelo Ball signed with the Los Angeles Ballers of the Junior Basketball Association (JBA).

November 5, 2018: Joined SPIRE Institute and Academy

On November 5, 2018, LaMelo Ball joined SPIRE Institute and Academy in Geneva, Ohio.

November 10, 2018: SPIRE Debut

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

2018: Played in the JBA and returned to high school

In 2018, LaMelo Ball played in the Junior Basketball Association (JBA) before returning to high school as a senior with SPIRE Academy.

June 17, 2019: Signed with the 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).

2019: Played for the Illawarra Hawks

In 2019, LaMelo Ball chose to forgo college basketball and played in Australia for the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League (NBL).

January 16, 2020: Sat out the Remainder of the Season

On January 16, 2020, while still sidelined due to a foot injury, LaMelo Ball decided to sit out for the remainder of the season with the Illawarra Hawks.

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 a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2020: Rookie of the Year

After the 2020-2021 NBA season, LaMelo Ball was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. This recognition came after a strong performance throughout his first season in the NBA.

2020: Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets

In 2020, LaMelo Ball was selected by the Charlotte Hornets as the third overall pick in the NBA draft.

2020: Drafted into the NBA

In 2020, LaMelo Ball was selected third overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA draft.

January 8, 2021: First game against brother Lonzo

On January 8, 2021, LaMelo Ball and his brother Lonzo played their first official game against each other. LaMelo helped the Charlotte Hornets overcome an 18-point deficit to win against the New Orleans Pelicans with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists.

2021: Signing with Puma

In 2021, LaMelo Ball signed an endorsement deal with Puma, a major athletic apparel and footwear company, marking a significant partnership in his career.

2021: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 2021, LaMelo Ball was voted the NBA Rookie of the Year.

February 2, 2022: Career-high 38 points

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

2022: NBA All-Star Selection

In 2022, LaMelo Ball was named an NBA All-Star.

February 13, 2023: Tying Career-High Assists

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

July 6, 2023: Contract Extension with Hornets

On July 6, 2023, LaMelo Ball signed a contract extension with the Charlotte Hornets, securing his future with the team and demonstrating their commitment to him as a key player.

October 23, 2024: Season-Opening Performance

On October 23, 2024, in the Hornets' season-opening game, LaMelo Ball scored 34 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out 11 assists in a 110–105 victory over the Houston Rockets. He became the first player in Hornets history to record at least 30 points and 10 assists in a season-opening game.