History of LaMelo Ball in Timeline

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

August 22, 2001: LaMelo Ball's Birth

On August 22, 2001, LaMelo LaFrance Ball was born.

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2009: NBL Switched to 40-minute Games

In 2009, the NBL switched to 40-minute games, a detail relevant to LaMelo Ball's later record of consecutive triple-doubles.

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.

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.

2016: Big Baller Brand Launch

In 2016, LaMelo Ball's family launched Big Baller Brand, a sports apparel company. This company later released his signature shoe, the Melo Ball 1 (MB1).

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.

June 26, 2017: WWE Raw Appearance

On June 26, 2017, LaMelo Ball appeared on a segment of WWE Raw with his family. During the appearance, he used inappropriate language, which led to an apology from WWE.

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August 2017: Ball in the Family Launch

In August 2017, the Facebook Watch reality show "Ball in the Family" was launched, documenting the lives and careers of LaMelo Ball and his family members. The show provided an inside look into their personal and professional lives.

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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.

PUMA Mens MB1 376813 01 Be You - Size 10.5

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September 8, 2017: "Melo Ball 1" Release

On September 8, 2017, LaMelo Ball was the subject of a rap single titled "Melo Ball 1", which was released by his brother, Lonzo Ball. The song highlights LaMelo's rising fame and basketball skills.

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October 2, 2017: Left Chino Hills to be homeschooled

On October 2, 2017, LaMelo Ball left Chino Hills to be homeschooled because his father disapproved of the new head coach and school administration.

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: Father Became a Media Personality

In 2017, LaMelo Ball's father, LaVar, grew into a media personality.

2017: Lonzo Ball Drafted

In 2017, LaMelo's brother Lonzo Ball was drafted, setting the stage for them to become the first brothers drafted in the top 3 of the NBA draft.

2017: LaVar's Media Presence

In 2017, LaVar Ball, LaMelo's father, became a popular but polarizing figure in sports media. He was known for making outlandish remarks about his own career and the careers of his sons, drawing both attention and criticism.

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.

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 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.

2018: 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 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).

August 2019: Leader of the New School Award

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

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 professional experience.

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 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: Jersey Number Change

Ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season, LaMelo Ball decided to change his jersey number from 2 to 1, marking a new chapter in his career with the Charlotte Hornets.

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 2023: Incident leading to Lawsuit

In early October 2023, an incident occurred where LaMelo Ball allegedly hit Tamaria McRae's son with his car after a fan event. This incident later led to a lawsuit being filed against Ball and the Charlotte Hornets in May 2024.

May 21, 2024: Lawsuit Filed Against Ball and Hornets

On May 21, 2024, Tamaria McRae filed a lawsuit on behalf of her child against LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets, alleging that Ball hit her son with his car after a fan event in October 2023. The family is seeking over $25,000 in damages, and the litigation is ongoing.

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.

November 2024: NBA Fine for Offensive Language

In November 2024, LaMelo Ball was fined $100,000 by the NBA for using the phrase "no homo" in a post-game interview. The NBA described his language as offensive and derogatory, leading to the fine.

March 28, 2025: Season-Ending Procedures

On March 28, 2025, the Charlotte Hornets announced that LaMelo Ball would miss the remainder of the season to undergo two minor procedures to address ankle and wrist issues. This marked an early end to his season due to health concerns.