LaMelo Ball on his first conversation with Michael Jordan: “Even when I spoke to Michael Jordan on the phone, it was all love”

LaMelo Ball has enjoyed some success in his first two seasons as a member of the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets are owned by Michael Jordan, and LaMelo’s father, LaVar Ball, once claimed he could beat MJ in his prime, even if he were “one-legged”.

Many thought maybe LaMelo’s relationship with Jordan could be distant because of LaVar’s comments, but this couldn’t be further than the truth. Michael Jordan wants to win above all else, and he knew LaMelo was the perfect player to draft that could help his franchise reach that goal.

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LaMelo explains how his first conversation went with Michael Jordan

Back in 2020, when the Hornets drafted LaMelo with the third overall pick, Michael Jordan placed a call to LaMelo. The call went well, according to LaMelo, who said he sees The GOAT as an uncle.

"Even when I met Michael Jordan on the phone, it was all love."

New @hornets guard LaMelo Ball can't wait to get to work with MJ.#AllFly | @TermineRadio | @franfraschilla | @Jumpshot8 pic.twitter.com/FSktIi2UFt

— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) November 19, 2020

“I am actually really excited. I had great convos with them. Whenever I met them, everything was genuine, I loved it all, it was a great vibe. Even when I spoke to Michael Jordan on the phone, it was all love. Like he’s my uncle or something, already a part of the family… We talked before when we had practice and he just give me hints and pointers. He was the third pick, now I am the third pick. That is a blessing right there.”

LaMelo has even surprised Jordan with his performance on the court. Here’s what Jordan had to say about LaMelo:

“I think Melo has adjusted to the NBA game better than any of us ever thought this early in his career. He has exceeded our expectations so far this season.”

LaMelo has been a great addition to the Charlotte Hornets franchise. The sky’s the limit for LaMelo, and Michael Jordan, along with Hornets fans, are hoping LaMelo can lead Charlotte to a championship.

About the Author Published Oct 4, 2022

TITAN FREY

Titan Frey is a dedicated father to three wonderful children, whom he takes immense pride in. His passions include reading, writing, basketball, both playing and watching, and playing chess. Titan spent five years working as a journalist for the basketball website fadeawayworld.net, where he served as editor-in-chief for four and a half years. One of his most notable achievements was interviewing Chuck Cooper III, the son of Chuck Cooper, the first African American ever drafted by an NBA team, and writing a biography that has been praised as the most definitive article about Cooper’s legacy. Titan is the author of more than ten novels and the screenwriter of three produced short films. His newest young adult novel, Echoes of the Hardwood: Braxton Foxworthy’s Time‑Travelling Book Report, blends basketball history with heartfelt storytelling and is now available. Order here: https://a.co/d/bo7BYz1