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 careers, with LaMelo currently playing for the Charlotte Hornets and Lonzo most recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers. LiAngelo had a brief NBA stint after declaring for the 2019 NBA draft and being selected by the Washington Wizards. The brothers rose from Chino Hills, California, drawing national attention early. This guide covers their paths, teams, and current status in professional basketball.
Background on the Ball family
LaVar, Tina, and their children—Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo—built a high-profile basketball lineage. LaVar’s outspoken presence and the brothers’ high school success at Chino Hills High School fueled national exposure before college. Lonzo played one college season at UCLA before entering the 2017 NBA draft, while LiAngelo and LaMelo took non-traditional routes, including international play and G League Ignite, before reaching the league.
How many Ball brothers played in the NBA
Including active, inactive, and two-way players, three Ball brothers have NBA experience. The table below summarizes key verified career signals for each brother who reached the league.
| Name | NBA Draft Year | Draft Position | NBA Teams | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lonzo Ball | 2017 | No. 2 overall | Lakers, Bulls, Cavaliers | Inactive (last played 2024) |
| LiAngelo Ball | 2019 | Undrafted (two-way contract) | Grizzlies | Inactive (last played 2021) |
| LaMelo Ball | 2020 | No. 3 overall | Hornets | Active |
Lonzo Ball’s NBA path
Drafted second overall in 2017, Lonzo arrived with high expectations as a playmaking point guard. He spent his prime years with the Los Angeles Lakers, dealt with injuries and inconsistency, then signed with the Chicago Bulls seeking a fresh start. A trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2024 signaled a final playoff push, but lingering injuries curtailed his season. He remains listed as inactive, with free agency decisions pending. Highlights include multiple All-Defensive Team nods and an All-Star appearance, establishing him as a capable floor general when healthy.
LiAngelo Ball’s NBA stint
LiAngelo drew attention for his international play and a shoplifting incident in China that delayed his entry into the league. He went undrafted in 2019 but secured a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, splitting time between the NBA and G League. Limited by injuries and inconsistent performances, he appeared in only a handful of NBA games. He last played professionally in 2021 and has since focused on overseas opportunities, leaving his NBA future uncertain.
LaMelo Ball’s rise in the NBA
LaMelo entered the 2020 draft after standout play in the G League and overseas, becoming the third-highest pick. With the Charlotte Hornets, he evolved into a premier point guard, earning All-Star selections and the 2020-21 Rookie of the Year award. His playmaking, defense, and leadership have made Charlotte competitive, and he remains under long-term contract. Unlike his brothers, LaMelo is currently active and central to the Hornets’ rebuild, positioning him as the most active Ball brother in the NBA.
Comparative overview of NBA tenures
The table below condenses draft, tenure, and status for quick reference, focusing on verified team history and current standing.
| Ball Brother | Draft Details | Main Teams | Games in NBA | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lonzo Ball | 2017, No. 2 (LAL) | LAL, CHI, CLE | 239 | Inactive |
| LiAngelo Ball | 2019, undrafted (MEM two-way) | MEM | 8 | Inactive |
| LaMelo Ball | 2020, No. 3 (CHA) | CHA | 311 | Active |
Other Ball siblings
LaNaya and Li’Asia Ball have not played in the NBA. LaNaya focused on college basketball at California State University, Northridge, while Li’Asia has primarily pursued interests outside professional basketball. Only the three brothers above have NBA experience.
Current landscape and outlook
As of the current season, only LaMelo Ball remains an active NBA player among the Ball brothers. Teams value his playmaking and leadership, and he is widely seen as a cornerstone for Charlotte. Lonzo’s return is possible if he clears waivers and signs a new deal, while LiAngelo would need a team willing to develop him through two-way terms. The broader Ball legacy in the NBA rests on these three veterans, with the youngest brother carrying the primary present-day impact.
Quick facts at a glance
- Three of the five Ball brothers have played in the NBA
- Lonzo Ball: No. 2 pick in 2017, last team Cleveland Cavaliers (inactive)
- LiAngelo Ball: Undrafted 2019, Memphis Grizzlies two-way (inactive)
- LaMelo Ball: No. 3 pick in 2020, Charlotte Hornets, active, 2021 Rookie of the Year
- Only LaMelo is currently on an NBA roster