How many Ball brothers are in the NBA
Three of the five Ball brothers have played in the NBA: Lonzo Ball, LaMelo Ball, and LiAngelo Ball. Lonzo and LaMelo have established ongoing NBA careers, while LiAngelo appeared in the G League and overseas. The brothers are known for their collective trajectory from high school stardom to professional play, with two actively shaping their NBA futures. This overview covers their teams, roles, and key career milestones to clarify the current NBA landscape for the Ball family.
Quick reference table
| Name | NBA Status | Current Team (if applicable) | Primary Role | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lonzo Ball | Active | Orlando Magic | Point guard | Drafted 3rd overall in 2017; traded to Chicago and later Orlando |
| LaMelo Ball | Active | Charlotte Hornets | Point guard | Drafted 3rd overall in 2020; NBA All-Star and Rookie of the Year |
| LiAngelo Ball | Inactive (NBA) | None (last played overseas/G League) | Guard | Appeared in the G League; played professionally abroad |
| LaChina Ball | Not in NBA | N/A | N/A | Younger brother; no NBA career |
| Lonnie Ball | Not in NBA | N/A | N/A | Younger brother; no NBA career |
Background on the Ball family
The Ball family rose to national attention in high school, with the older brothers drawing significant recruiting interest. Their path to professional basketball began differently for each sibling, shaping who reached the NBA and how they are positioned today. Understanding their origins helps explain the current professional statuses and team situations.
Who are the Ball brothers?
- Lonzo Ball: Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, played for Chicago and Orlando.
- LaMelo Ball: Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2020, led the Hornets to relevance and became an All-Star.
- LiAngelo Ball: Played G League and overseas, never signed an NBA contract.
- LaChina and Lonnie Ball: Younger siblings without NBA experience.
Lonzo Ball’s NBA status and trajectory
Lonzo Ball remains an active NBA point guard after establishing himself as a top-10 draft pick. His career included a stretch with the Chicago Bulls where he was a primary ball-handler, followed by a trade to the Orlando Magic. He brings size and playmaking to backcourt rotations, and his durability has allowed him to maintain a steady presence despite evolving team needs.
Key milestones
- 2017: Drafted 3rd overall by the Los Angeles Lakers.
- 2021: Traded to the Chicago Bulls amid rebuild efforts.
- 2024: Traded to the Orlando Magic, adding veteran playmaking to their backcourt.
LaMelo Ball’s NBA status and impact
LaMelo Ball is widely regarded as one of the more accomplished Ball brothers in the league, earning All-Star honors and NBA Rookie of the Year. As a point guard for the Charlotte Hornets, he has become a cornerstone of the franchise, leading younger players and influencing game flow with his court vision and creativity.
Key milestones
- 2020: Drafted 3rd overall by the Charlotte Hornets.
- 2021: Named NBA Rookie of the Year and selected as an All-Star.
- 2023–2024: Continued as a starter and leading voice for the Hornets.
LiAngelo Ball’s professional path
LiAngelo Ball has not secured a consistent NBA roster spot but has remained active professionally. He spent time in the G League and played overseas, adapting to different styles of competition. While his path has diverged from his older brothers, he continues to pursue basketball at high levels outside the NBA.
Professional timeline
- 2018: Briefly signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer league after going undrafted.
- 2019–2020: Played overseas in Lithuania and China.
- 2021: Joined the South Bay Lakers in the G League.
- 2022–2024: Continued playing overseas and in limited U.S. professional appearances.
Frequently asked questions
Are all Ball brothers in the NBA?
No. Only Lonzo Ball and LaMelo Ball are current NBA players. LiAngelo Ball has not appeared in an NBA game, and the younger brothers, LaChina and Lonnie Ball, are not in the league.
Which Ball brother was drafted highest?
Lonzo Ball and LaMelo Ball were both drafted 3rd overall, in 2017 and 2020 respectively. LiAngelo Ball went undrafted but later joined the Lakers on a training camp deal.
Have any Ball brothers won a championship?
None of the Ball brothers have won an NBA championship as of the 2023–2024 seasons. Both Lonzo and LaMelo are active contributors on their respective teams.
Summary
In summary, there are three Ball brothers in the NBA: Lonzo Ball, LaMelo Ball, and LiAngelo Ball. Of these, only two, Lonzo and LaMelo, are currently on NBA rosters, with established roles on the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets. LiAngelo Ball has competed professionally but not in the NBA. The younger siblings have not reached the league. This evergreen profile clarifies their statuses and provides a reliable reference for ongoing questions about the Ball family in the NBA.
