Charlotte Hornets rookie LaMelo Ball has never lacked supreme confidence in himself. That unwavering self-belief certainly got a whole lot deeper now that he has realized his dream of making it to the NBA.

The 19-year-old guard was not shy at all in his second NBA preseason game, as he stared down the opposing Toronto Raptors bench after draining a corner three-pointer on Monday. With under three minutes left in the third period, Ball caught a nice kick-out pass from teammate Bismack Biyombo and launched one from deep.

Ball shot it in rhythm right over the outstretched hands of Matt Thomas. While his form isn't exactly textbook, he hit the bottom of the net and gave the Hornets a four-point advantage.

The neophyte's bravado certainly shocked some of Raptors players and staff, as they stared back at him as he jogged back on defense.

Article Continues Below
More Charlotte Hornets News
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) brings the ball up court against the New York Knicks during the second half at Spectrum Center.
Hornets rumors: The ‘favorite’ at No. 4 to be next LaMelo Ball co-starJoey Mistretta ·
Julius Randle playing for the Timberwolves. T-Wolves logo in background.
Ranking 3 best Julius Randle free-agency destinations if he leaves TimberwolvesBailey Bassett ·
Naz Reid playing for Timberwolves with T-Wolves logo in background.
Ranking 3 best Naz Reid free-agency destinations if he leaves TimberwolvesBailey Bassett ·
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) controls the ball as he is defended by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (00) during the first half at the Spectrum Center.
NBA rumors: Lonzo Ball isn’t only 1 who wants to see LaMelo Ball trade to ClippersScotty White ·
Baylor Bears guard VJ Edgecombe (7) passes the ball away from Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Cameron Matthews (4) during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Lenovo Center.
Ranking 3 best VJ Edgecombe destinations in 2025 NBA DraftSpencer See ·
Ace Bailey in a 76ers uniform, a Spurs uniform, and a Hornets uniform
Ranking 3 best Ace Bailey destinations in 2025 NBA DraftMatty Breisch ·

Unfortunately for Ball and the Hornets, they dropped their second preseason game in a row, as the visiting Raptors pulled away in the fourth period and escaped with a 112-109 victory at Spectrum Center.

After going scoreless in his maiden NBA action, Ball scored 12 points this time on 3-of-10 shooting from the field, including 2-of-6 from downtown. He also scattered three boards, two assists, one steal, and one block in 20 minutes of action.

LaMelo Ball, picked third overall by the Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft, has impressed pundits with his all-around game so far. His excellent court vision and good rebounding skills at his position have stood out the most.

His confidence, however, is also clearly up there.