LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets currently only have one game on national television this season, and it looks like it is up against its older brother, Lonzo, and the New Orleans Pelicans.
The hype surrounding the match between the two brothers has been rife since LaMelo was drafted by the Hornets, but for them, Friday ‘s matchup is just another game. The two brothers spoke to the media Thursday and the two of them were largely missing out on the first meeting held in New Orleans.
“I’m just taking it as another game,” said LaMelo. “I don’t get into 1-on-1 matchups like that so I’m basically trying to win the win. If someone is feeling something, I feel like it’s like it’s my family. Maybe they are the ones who get the most out of it. Maybe he and I are going out there and both of them trying to win for our teams. ”
In fact, the Ball brothers, separated by just under four years, were teammates at Chino Hills High School when Lonzo was a senior and LaMelo an expert. They went a perfect 35-0 that year and qualified for the California State Championship, but never faced each other in a competitive game.
Lonzo went on to play one year at UCLA while LaMelo made a couple of stops abroad, last year joining the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League. Lonzo was selected with the second overall pick in 2017 by the Los Angeles Lakers and LaMelo was the third pick this year.
They were the first sisters to be selected in the top three of the NBA draft, something that was years in the making.
“I think it just shows that all our hard work paid off,” Lonzo said. “We were very close. We grew up doing the same thing, even though he’s a lot younger than me. It’s great to see all the hard work my father put in with us, my family. ”
On the season, Lonzo averages 13.4 points high with the Pelicans. Meanwhile, LaMelo gets an average of 12.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists with the Hornets, leading all rookies in assists and steals while second in second place. the scoring.
While the Lonzo and LaMelo friendship and connection has developed over the years, these figures disappear once the two teams meet. Lonzo has previously said that if he matches LaMelo, it will not be a good night for him but he will not show up if he protects his brother during the game.
“I’m just playing my game,” Lonzo said. “Whoever puts the coach on me, I will do what I can to stop my team and push the break the other way.”
The Hornets and Pelicans tipoff will be Friday at 7.30pm EST on ESPN.