LaMelo Injury Update, What Happened to LaMelo?
by Priyanka P
Updated Feb 06, 2024
Who is LaMelo?
LaMelo Ball is a talented American basketball player. He is the youngest son of LaVar and Tina Ball, both former college basketball players. LaMelo's family gained fame through their reality show "Ball in the Family." LaMelo's journey to basketball stardom began in high school, where he played alongside his older brothers, Lonzo and LiAngelo.
Known for his impressive skills, LaMelo drew attention early in his high school career, playing for Chino Hills High School in California. He took an unconventional path, playing professionally in Lithuania and then joining the Junior Basketball Association (JBA), a league created by his father. Later, he played in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) with the Illawarra Hawks, earning recognition as the NBL Rookie of the Year.
In 2020, LaMelo was selected as the third overall pick in the NBA draft by the Charlotte Hornets. His dynamic playing style, including flashy passes and scoring ability, quickly made him a rising star in the league. Despite being young, LaMelo has already earned accolades like NBA Rookie of the Year and an NBA All-Star selection. Beyond basketball, he's also known for his family's sports brand, Big Baller Brand, and his endorsement deal with Puma.
Full Name
LaMelo LaFrance Ball
Date of Birth
August 22, 2001
Age
22 years old
Birthplace
Anaheim, California, U.S.
Height
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Weight
180 lb (82 kg)
LaMelo Injury Update
LaMelo Ball, the star guard for the Charlotte Hornets, is not playing due to a right ankle injury. This injury, specifically identified as 'Right Ankle Tendinopathy,' has kept him out of the previous five games.
LaMelo sustained the right ankle sprain during a game against the Houston Rockets on January 26, 2024. Despite hopes for his return, he remains sidelined, contributing to the Hornets' recent struggles. Without LaMelo, the team has faced a challenging seven-game losing streak and has won only three out of 25 games played in his absence.
This injury adds to a concerning pattern for LaMelo, who has experienced various health issues in his young career. In the ongoing 2023-2024 season, he has already missed 25 out of 47 games due to different injuries. Despite his outstanding performance on the court, the team's success seems closely tied to his availability.
The Hornets, currently the 13th seed in the Eastern Conference, are undoubtedly impacted by LaMelo's absence, highlighting the importance of the young guard to the team's performance.
Stay informed and up-to-date with the latest news and developments by turning to Fresherslive’s current news articles. Our platform is designed to help you broaden your horizons and gain valuable insights.
LaMelo Early Life
LaMelo Ball, born on August 22, 2001, in Anaheim, California, is an American professional basketball player known for his skills as a point guard in the NBA. He is the youngest son of former college basketball players LaVar and Tina Ball. LaMelo grew up alongside his brothers, Lonzo and LiAngelo, both of whom also pursued basketball careers.
LaMelo attended Chino Hills High School in California, gaining early attention for his exceptional talent on the basketball court. His unique playing style and scoring ability made him a standout player even during his high school sophomore season. LaMelo's family established the Big Baller Brand, a sports apparel company, and released his signature shoe, the Melo Ball 1, when he was just 16 years old.
In pursuit of a professional career, LaMelo faced a distinctive path. He played briefly in Lithuania with his brother LiAngelo for Prienai in 2018. Subsequently, he joined SPIRE Institute and Academy in Ohio for his senior season, where he faced challenges with eligibility due to his prior professional experience. Despite the hurdles, LaMelo's journey through high school set the stage for his entrance into the NBA, eventually being selected as the third overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft.
LaMelo Career
LaMelo Ball is an American professional basketball player currently excelling as a point guard in the NBA. His basketball journey gained attention during his high school years at Chino Hills in California, where he showcased remarkable skills, becoming a top recruit.
In 2018, LaMelo briefly played in Lithuania with Prienai alongside his brother LiAngelo. Later, he joined SPIRE Institute and Academy in Ohio, attracting controversy due to his professional experience. Despite challenges, he emerged as a top high school prospect and committed to UCLA before exploring alternative paths.
In 2019, LaMelo signed with the Illawarra Hawks in Australia's NBL as part of the Next Stars program. He impressed with his triple-double performances, boosting his draft stock for the 2020 NBA Draft. LaMelo was selected third overall by the Charlotte Hornets, making history alongside his brother Lonzo as the first siblings drafted in the top three.
His rookie season (2020–2021) with the Hornets was impactful, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award. LaMelo continued to shine in his second season, earning his first NBA All-Star selection in 2022. However, he faced a season-ending injury in 2023, leading to surgery and missing the remainder of the season. Despite challenges, LaMelo signed a contract extension with the Hornets in 2023, reflecting his significant impact on the team.
LaMelo Age
LaMelo Ball was born on August 22, 2001, and he is currently 22 years old. LaMelo is a professional basketball player for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA, known for his impressive skills and achievements at a young age.
Born into a basketball-oriented family, with his father LaVar and brothers Lonzo and LiAngelo, LaMelo started playing the sport at a very early age. He gained national attention during his high school career, where he showcased his talent and set records. LaMelo made a significant decision to forgo college basketball, opting to play professionally in Australia for the Illawarra Hawks in the NBL during the 2019-2020 season.
His success in Australia paved the way for him to be selected as the third overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA draft. At just 22 years old, LaMelo has already made a substantial impact in the NBA, earning the Rookie of the Year award and being named an NBA All-Star in the subsequent season. His youth, skill, and potential make him a promising and exciting player in the basketball world.
LaMelo Height and Weight
LaMelo Ball stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters) and weighs around 180 pounds (82 kilograms). As a professional basketball player, LaMelo's height gives him a significant advantage on the court, especially in his role as a point guard.
His height allows him to have a broad field of vision, making it easier to spot open teammates, control the ball effectively, and contribute both offensively and defensively. Combined with his agility and skills, LaMelo's stature makes him a dynamic and versatile player, capable of handling various aspects of the game.
Maintaining an optimal weight is crucial for basketball players to ensure agility, speed, and overall performance on the court. LaMelo's weight of 180 pounds suggests a balance between strength and agility, enabling him to navigate the fast-paced nature of professional basketball.
In the NBA, players' height and weight play a pivotal role in their playing style and effectiveness in different positions. LaMelo's physical attributes contribute to his success and make him a formidable presence in the league, showcasing the importance of a well-rounded physique in professional basketball.
What Happened to LaMelo?
LaMelo Ball has been dealing with a right ankle injury, specifically described as "Right Ankle Tendinopathy." This injury has kept him out of several recent games, and he remains sidelined. The Charlotte Hornets, LaMelo's team in the NBA, have struggled in his absence, losing multiple games during this period.
The injury occurred during a game against the Houston Rockets on January 26, 2024, where Ball suffered a right ankle sprain. Since then, he has been unable to participate in games due to the lingering effects of the injury.
LaMelo's absence has been notable, as he is a key player for the Hornets, known for his scoring, playmaking, and all-around skills on the basketball court. His recovery progress and return to active play will be crucial for the Hornets as they aim to improve their performance and standings in the league.
Injuries are common in professional sports, and the hope is that LaMelo will recover fully and return to the court to continue showcasing his talents and contributing to his team's success.
LaMelo Net Worth
LaMelo Ball, the American professional basketball player, boasts a net worth of $20 million. LaMelo hails from the well-known Ball family, which includes his brothers Lonzo and LiAngelo, and his outspoken father, LaVar Ball. LaMelo's rise to fame accelerated when he starred in the Facebook Watch reality show "Ball in the Family," showcasing the family dynamics and their journey in the basketball world.
As a talented point guard, LaMelo's basketball journey began at Chino Hills High School and later at the SPIRE Institute. His early achievements include being named the MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year in 2016. LaMelo further gained experience by playing for the Los Angeles Ballers in the Junior Basketball Association and Prienai in the Lithuanian Basketball League in 2018.
Known for his unconventional path to the NBA, LaMelo decided to forgo traditional college basketball at UCLA and instead pursued a professional career in Australia. Currently playing for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA, LaMelo's net worth reflects his success, both on and off the court, as he continues to make significant strides in his basketball career.
LaMelo Injury Update - FAQs
LaMelo Ball played high school basketball at Chino Hills High School in California and later at SPIRE Institute in Ohio.
LaMelo Ball turned professional in 2018 when he signed with Prienai in the Lithuanian Basketball League and later played for the Los Angeles Ballers in the Junior Basketball Association (JBA).
After turning professional, LaMelo Ball joined SPIRE Institute and Academy in Ohio for his senior season of high school basketball.
LaMelo Ball was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft.
LaMelo Ball is currently sidelined due to a 'Right Ankle Tendinopathy,' an injury sustained during a game against the Houston Rockets on January 26, 2024.