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 rose to prominence, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2021. His impact continued, as he was named an NBA All-Star in 2022, solidifying his status as a key player in the league.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

March 5, 2016: CIF Southern Section Open Division Title Win

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: Release of Melo Ball 1 (MB1)

On August 31, 2017, Big Baller Brand released the Melo Ball 1 (MB1), LaMelo Ball's signature shoe, making him the youngest athlete to have a signature shoe. Big Baller Brand was launched in 2016 by Ball's family.

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, 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.

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.

November 2018: Expressed Interest in College Basketball

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

2018: Played in the Junior Basketball Association (JBA)

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: Five-Star Recruit

In 2018, when LaMelo Ball returned to high school after a professional stint, 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).

August 2019: 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.

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).

2019: Top Recruit

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

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

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

November 18, 2020: Drafted by 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 in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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.

January 8, 2021: First game against Lonzo Ball

On January 8, 2021, LaMelo and Lonzo Ball played their first official game against each other, with LaMelo helping the Hornets overcome an 18-point deficit to win 118-110 against the New Orleans Pelicans. LaMelo almost achieved a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists.

2021: Signs 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

On February 2, 2022, 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: 30 Points and Career-High-Tying 15 Assists

On February 13, 2023, 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 Hornets

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

October 23, 2024: Season-Opening Performance

On October 23, 2024, in the Hornets' season-opening game, Ball scored 34 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished out 11 assists, leading to a 110–105 victory against the Houston Rockets. Ball also achieved the distinction of becoming the first player in Hornets franchise history to record at least 30 points and 10 assists in a season-opening game.

March 28, 2025: End of Season

On March 28, 2025, the Hornets announced that LaMelo Ball would miss the remainder of the season to undergo two minor procedures to address ankle and wrist issues.