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 with an NBA All-Star selection in 2022, solidifying his status as a prominent player in the league.

Sections (3)

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, a 17-and-under Amateur Athletic Union (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.

December 26, 2016: Half-court shot

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

February 4, 2017: First high school loss

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

August 31, 2017: Melo Ball 1 Signature Shoe Release

On August 31, 2017, Big Baller Brand released the Melo Ball 1 (MB1), LaMelo Ball's signature shoe, making him the youngest athlete to ever have a signature shoe.

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.

2017: Lonzo Ball drafted No. 2 overall

In 2017, LaMelo's brother Lonzo Ball was chosen No. 2 overall in the NBA draft. LaMelo and Lonzo became the first set of brothers to both be drafted in the top 3 of the NBA draft.

January 13, 2018: Professional debut with Prienai

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, a prep school in Geneva, Ohio.

November 10, 2018: Debut for SPIRE

On November 10, 2018, LaMelo Ball debuted for SPIRE, recording 20 points, 13 assists and five rebounds in a 96–84 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), a league created by his father. Afterward, he returned to high school as a senior with SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio.

June 17, 2019: Signed with the Illawarra Hawks

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

2019: Played for the Illawarra Hawks

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

January 16, 2020: Sat out for the remainder of the NBL season

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

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 NBA draft.

December 23, 2020: NBA debut

On December 23, 2020, LaMelo Ball made his NBA debut, going scoreless with one rebound, three assists, and two steals in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2020: Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie Selection

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, recognizing his outstanding performance throughout his initial season.

2020: Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets

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

2020: Selected third overall by the Hornets

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

January 8, 2021: First game against Lonzo Ball

On January 8, 2021, LaMelo Ball played his first regulation game against his brother, Lonzo, in a match against the New Orleans Pelicans. LaMelo helped the Hornets rally from an 18-point deficit to win 118-110, narrowly missing a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.

2021: Signing 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.

2021: Strong Start to the 2021-22 Season

In the Hornets' 2021–22 season opener, LaMelo Ball matched his career-high seven three-pointers, while putting up 31 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in a 123–122 win over the Indiana Pacers.

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: Named NBA All-Star

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

February 13, 2023: Career-High Assists and Hornets Record

On February 13, 2023, LaMelo Ball recorded 30 points, six rebounds and a career-high-tying 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 the Hornets

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

November 5, 2023: Triple-Double Against Mavericks

On November 5, 2023, LaMelo Ball recorded a triple-double with 30 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds in a 124–118 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

October 23, 2024: Season-Opening Performance and Franchise Record

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. LaMelo also became the first player in Hornets franchise history to drop at least 30 points and 10 assists in a season-opening game.

October 26, 2025: Triple-Double Against the Wizards

In an October 26, 2025 game against the Washington Wizards, LaMelo Ball recorded a triple-double with 38 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists, his first since November 5, 2023.

January 8, 2026: First Game off the Bench Since Rookie Season

On January 8, 2026, Lamelo Ball came off the bench for the first time since his rookie season. In the game against the Indiana Pacers, he scored 33 points, with 8 rebounds, and 3 steals.