Charlotte Hornets rookie sensation LaMelo Ball notched his first ever career triple-double in their 113-105 win over the Atlanta Hawks. With that, the 2020 third overall pick became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double. Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James kept a close eye on the young stud and congratulated Ball for his accomplishment.
Meanwhile, LaMelo acknowledged the praise from The King.
LeBron James certainly isn't unfamiliar with triple-doubles himself. The four-time NBA champ has recorded 123 such games throughout his 18 year career, including one this season with the Lakers. James, however, actually didn't notch his first trip-dub until his sophomore season. His first such game came on January 19, 2005–just 20 days after his 20th birthday–in a six-point win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Ball finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, while shooting 9-of-13 from the field in 31 minutes off the bench. This special performance from the 19-year-old came a day after he was just one assist shy of achieving the feat in a nationally televised game against his older brother and former Lakers guard Lonzo Ball, who is now with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Melo supplanted the previous record-holder, current Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz. Fultz, who is unfortunately out for the season after suffering a torn ACL, notched his first trip-dub in his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
LaMelo Ball has certainly turned heads, including that of King James, early on in his NBA career. He may not have started his career ideally by putting up a 0-point dud in his NBA debut, but the talented young guard is the one of early favorites for Rookie of the Year this season.
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