By Cameron Song
Charlotte Hornets guard Lamelo Ball has been selected as an injury replacement for Kevin Durant by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game.
Drafted third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets, Lamelo Ball has been a rising star since the start of his NBA career. Ball won Rookie of the Year last season, and this year he’s been continuing to develop into superstardom. As of this Wednesday, he’s averaged 19.8 points, 7.5 assists, and 7.1 rebounds this season.
At 20 years and 182 days old, Ball will be making history as the fourth-youngest player to play in an All-Star Game, behind legends Magic Johnson, Lebron James, and Kobe Bryant. Originally, LaMelo was not picked for the All-Star Game last Thursday. However, with KD’s MCL injury preventing him from playing in Cleveland, Ball was later chosen by Adam Silver as a replacement. He will play on Team Durant against Team Lebron, the two fan-elected captains.
LaMelo’s All-Star nomination is well deserved, and many fans are excited to see his debut at the game.
“I’m pretty much just blessed and excited,” Ball said. “Everybody I’ve seen today showing love. It’s all a brotherhood, a family. Everybody’s happy for me and I appreciate it. I think it’s going to be a great experience.”
Inside Sports Journal 