How Old Was Lamelo Ball When He Got Drafted

So, you’re wondering how old LaMelo Ball was when he got drafted, right? It’s a fun little fact that tells you a lot about his wild journey to the NBA. The short answer is that he was 19 years old when the Charlotte Hornets picked him third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Wait, 19? That’s crazy young!

Yeah, 19 is incredibly young to be handed the keys to a professional franchise. But here’s the twist: LaMelo had already been playing pro basketball for three years before that draft. He played in Lithuania, Australia, and even a bit in a US prep league.

By the time he was 19, he had more international experience than most college seniors. It’s like he was 19 going on 30 in basketball years. Pretty wild, right?

Why does his age even matter?

Because it makes his story fascinating. Most 19-year-olds are stressing over freshman finals or figuring out laundry. LaMelo was dropping 30-point games in the Australian NBL. The age thing just shows how ahead of the curve he was.

Think about it: LeBron James was drafted at 18, Luka Dončić at 19. LaMelo fits right into that “teenage phenom” club. It’s cool because it means he had zero college experience—no March Madness, no dorm room, just straight to the league.

Lamelo Ball Draft Series :: Behance

How does 19 compare to other stars?

Glad you asked! Most NBA rookies are around 19 or 20, but LaMelo’s path was different. Guys like Zion Williamson were 19, but they played a year in college. LaMelo skipped all that. He was drafted in 2020, but he was born in 2001—a whole year after the internet boom.

Here’s a fun comparison: LaMelo was drafted before he could legally drink a beer in the US. That’s ridiculous when you think about the pressure on his shoulders. And yet, he won Rookie of the Year that season. Imagine being the best rookie at an age where most people can’t even rent a car.

LaMelo Ball: 'After Lithuania, I didn't give a f*** where I got drafted

The “Lonzo Factor” and family roots

People forget that LaMelo’s older brother, Lonzo, was also drafted young—at 20 years old in 2017. So the Ball family has a thing for super-young stars. But LaMelo was actually younger than Lonzo was on draft night. That’s crazy because Lonzo already looked like a seasoned guard out of UCLA.

LaMelo’s age was a double-edged sword. Scouts loved his upside but worried about his experience. Turns out, being 19 didn’t slow him down one bit. He walked into the NBA like he owned the place—flashy passes, step-back threes, and all.

LaMelo Ball drafted No. 3 overall by the Charlotte Hornets | 2020 NBA

What does it mean for fans?

It means we get to watch a guy grow up on the court. LaMelo is now 23 (as of 2025), and he’s already a franchise cornerstone. Imagine what he’ll be like at 25 or 30—maybe a Hall of Famer? His early start gave him a massive head start.

So next time you see him throw a no-look pass, remember: he was only 19 when he started doing that against the world’s best players. That’s the chill, fascinating truth. Young, bold, and already legendary—that’s LaMelo Ball for you.