Lamelo Ball Arrested, What Happened to Lamelo Ball?
by Aishwarya R | Updated Jun 26, 2023
Who is Lamelo Ball?
LaMelo Ball is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Charlotte Hornets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was chosen by the Hornets as the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. Ball's remarkable performance earned him the title of NBA Rookie of the Year in 2021, and he further established himself as an NBA All-Star in the following season, 2022.
Ball's basketball journey began at Chino Hills High School in California, where he achieved great success and won a state championship while playing alongside his older brothers Lonzo and LiAngelo. However, a disagreement with the coaching staff led him to leave Chino Hills before his junior season. He then made the decision to sign with the Lithuanian professional team Prienai.
In 2018, Ball participated in the Junior Basketball Association (JBA), a league founded by his father. Subsequently, he returned to high school for his senior year at SPIRE Academy in Ohio. As a highly regarded five-star recruit, Ball initially committed to UCLA for college basketball. However, due to concerns about his eligibility, he made the unconventional choice to forego college and instead played for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) in 2019.
It was during his time in Australia that Ball's talent truly shone, defying earlier doubts from scouts who had projected him as a second-round pick or even unlikely to make it to the NBA. His outstanding performance and rapid rise in the NBL led to his selection as the third overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA draft. Since then, Ball has continued to make significant strides in his professional career, earning accolades such as the NBA Rookie of the Year award and securing a spot in the NBA All-Star game.
Lamelo Ball Arrested
On May 13, 2018, the basketball community was shocked by the arrest of LaMelo Ball, a 16-year-old basketball player, along with his UCLA teammates Cody Riley and Jalen Hill in Hangzhou, China. This incident occurred the day before the highly anticipated Pac-12 China Game and involved the trio being caught on camera stealing sunglasses from a Louis Vuitton store. They were subsequently released on bail.
The arrest took place shortly before a significant game between UCLA and Georgia Tech, attracting considerable attention and generating mixed reactions. While some criticized the players for their actions, others regarded them as young individuals who had made a regrettable mistake.
On May 14, 2018, LaMelo and his teammates were released on bail and permitted to travel to Shanghai for the game. However, they faced the possibility of expulsion from UCLA as a result of their misconduct.
This incident had a profound impact on LaMelo's career. He did not get selected in the NBA draft that year. Nevertheless, Ball managed to turn the situation around by signing with the Illawarra Hawks in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL).
What Happened to Lamelo Ball?
After his arrest in Hangzhou, China, Lamelo Ball faced significant impacts on his career. The incident occurred on May 13, 2018, leaving the basketball community shocked. Alongside his UCLA teammates Cody Riley and Jalen Hill, who were also arrested, Lamelo's arrest drew considerable attention and media coverage.
The theft of sunglasses from a Louis Vuitton store, as captured on CCTV footage, resulted in the trio being released on bail. The incident took place just a day before the Pac-12 China Game, a highly anticipated event. Lamelo Ball's arrest and the subsequent shoplifting incident became widely known, making headlines across the internet.
As for the consequences, the trio was released on bail the following day, May 14, 2018, allowing them to travel to Shanghai for the game. However, they faced expulsion from UCLA soon after the incident, impacting their academic and basketball futures. For Lamelo Ball, this arrest had a profound effect on his career trajectory. He was not chosen in the NBA Draft that year, possibly due to concerns surrounding the incident and its impact on his reputation.
Nevertheless, Lamelo demonstrated resilience and determination by signing with the Illawarra Hawks in the Australian NBL. There, he showcased his skills and passion for the game, leading to his selection as the third overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft. Despite the setback caused by his arrest, Lamelo Ball persevered and proved himself as a talented basketball player, ultimately reaching the NBA and making a name for himself in the league.
Lamelo Ball Early Life
Born to former college basketball players LaVar and Tina Ball in Anaheim, California, LaMelo Ball was immersed in basketball from an early age. His father, LaVar, began training him as soon as he could walk, instilling a love for the sport in him. By the age of four, Ball was already playing alongside his older brothers, Lonzo and LiAngelo, against opponents much older than him. Although he briefly dabbled in flag football at the age of five, basketball remained his primary focus.
In 2013, while still in seventh grade, Ball joined his brothers to play on the Big Ballers VXT team in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Launched and coached by his parents, the team competed in the 17-and-under category. Unlike other prominent AAU teams sponsored by major shoe companies, the Big Ballers VXT team primarily participated in local competitions rather than the top AAU circuits.
Lamelo Ball Girlfriend
Love is in the air for LaMelo Ball, the talented star of the Charlotte Hornets, and his girlfriend, Ana Montana. After nearly a year of dating, the couple decided to make their relationship Instagram official, and it's clear that their bond is strong and serious. The beautiful model, whose real name is Analicia Chaves, expressed her deep affection on her Insta Account.
Their public declaration of love garnered an outpouring of support and excitement from their fans, who couldn't contain their joy for the couple. While LaMelo Ball has been making waves on the basketball court during his impressive NBA career, his 2022-23 season was unfortunately cut short due to an ankle injury. Throughout his recovery, Ana Montana has been by his side, providing love and support off the court. Their relationship is not only filled with romance but also shows the power of having a caring partner to lean on during challenging times.
Lamelo Ball Arrested - FAQs
LaMelo Ball was arrested on May 13, 2018.
LaMelo Ball, along with his UCLA teammates Cody Riley and Jalen Hill, was arrested for stealing sunglasses from a Louis Vuitton store in Hangzhou, China.
Following the arrest, LaMelo Ball and his teammates were released on bail on May 14, 2018. They were allowed to travel to Shanghai for a game, but they faced the possibility of expulsion from UCLA.
Yes, the arrest had an impact on LaMelo Ball's NBA draft prospects. He was not selected in the NBA draft that year, possibly due to concerns surrounding the incident and its effect on his reputation.
Despite not being picked in the NBA draft, LaMelo Ball signed with the Illawarra Hawks in the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). He played in Australia, showcased his skills, and eventually became the third overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft, proving himself as a talented player.