LaMelo’s strong game includes ‘big’ reunion with brother Lonzo

CHICAGO — Lonzo Ball said the games against his brother, LaMelo Ball, were always a pleasure, but especially Friday night’s game, which ended as a 125-123 victory for the Charlotte Hornets, because it was the first time the two shared each other. an NBA court since November 29, 2021.

Not only was it the first time in 1,145 days they’ve matched up, but they also had their middle brother, LiAngelo, sitting in the stands, fresh off signing his new record deal.

“It would have been a lot better if we won,” Lonzo said with a laugh after the Bulls’ loss. “Playing him, it’s definitely bigger than most games for me, just because he’s my little brother, man, and I grew up playing with him my whole life.”

The gap between matchups comes as both Ball brothers have dealt with injuries over the past few seasons. LaMelo hasn’t played more than 36 games in either of the past two seasons and has accounted for the first two meetings between the teams this season. But he has played the Bulls four times since that game in 2021, but Lonzo sat out 2½ years with multiple knee injuries before returning this season.

“The trip was great, too,” LaMelo said of his brother’s return. “The whole family, it’s always great when I see both my brothers. Good times.”

Lonzo finished with 6 points on 2-of-6 shooting with 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals, and he was part of the closing lineup for Chicago that got going back in the fourth quarter.

Charlotte jumped out on a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter to take the lead, but the Bulls stormed back with a 14-3 run before falling short down the stretch. The Bulls have lost four games in a row.

LaMelo led the Hornets with 26 points and nine assists.

“Watching the growth has been amazing,” Lonzo said of his brother.

Both teams had the day off Thursday, allowing the three Ball brothers to have dinner in Chicago before Lonzo and LaMelo hit the court. It’s a moment Lonzo said he cherished, given how each brother is enjoying his own level of success at the moment. LiAngelo produced the first hit rap single in 2025.

“He’s high time right now,” Lonzo said with a laugh. “Those rappers are a little different, man.”

LaMelo leads the league in All-Star voting for guards. And Lonzo is playing significant minutes down the stretch for Chicago after sitting out nearly three years and undergoing unprecedented cartilage surgery.

“We’re doing what we always do when we see each other, just kicking the cradle, man,” Lonzo said. “Us kids again, to be honest. I pulled up, had a cook for us, got some good food and just relaxed all night.”

After that, there was plenty of time for competition and trash talk both during and after Friday’s game.

When the two met after the final buzzer, Lonzo reminded LaMelo that they were now tied in their matchups against each other. LaMelo disagreed.

“Our record is 2-2, so I mean, he can’t be too happy about that,” Lonzo said. “But for him, it’s 3-1 his way. I don’t know how that guy thinks sometimes.”