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. He was drafted third overall in the 2020 NBA draft by the Hornets. Ball quickly gained recognition, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2021. His success continued into the following season, where he was named an NBA All-Star in 2022, solidifying his position 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.

August 31, 2017: Release of Melo Ball 1 (MB1) signature shoe

On August 31, 2017, Big Baller Brand released the Melo Ball 1 (MB1), LaMelo Ball's signature shoe. This made him the youngest athlete to 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) 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 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, where he played under head coach Jermaine Jackson.

November 10, 2018: Debuted 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.

November 2018: Expressed Interest in College Basketball

In November 2018, despite questions surrounding his eligibility, LaMelo Ball expressed interest in playing college basketball upon his return to high school.

2018: Played in JBA and returned to High School

In 2018, LaMelo Ball played in the Junior Basketball Association (JBA), a league created by his father, before returning to high school as a senior with SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio.

2018: Remained a Five-Star Recruit

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

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).

2019: Played for 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).

2019: Top Recruit

LaMelo Ball emerged as a top recruit in the 2019 class during his sophomore season in high school.

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

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

November 18, 2020: Drafted by Charlotte Hornets

In the 2020 NBA draft, which was held on November 18, 2020, LaMelo Ball was selected with the third overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets.

December 23, 2020: NBA Debut

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

2020: Drafted by 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 Hornets

In 2020, LaMelo Ball's success led him to be 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 and his brother Lonzo played against each other for the first time in a regulation game. LaMelo helped the Hornets win against the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring 12 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists.

2021: Signed with Puma

In 2021, LaMelo Ball signed a contract with Puma.

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 against Boston Celtics

On February 2, 2022, LaMelo Ball scored 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.

February 13, 2023: Career-high-tying 15 assists against Atlanta Hawks

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: Signed contract extension with the Hornets

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

October 23, 2024: Season-opening performance against Houston Rockets

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