LaMelo Ball

LaMelo Ball is the starting point guard for the Charlotte Hornets and the first PUMA signature basketball athlete since the brand’s resurgence on the hardwood in 2018. A native of Chino Hills, California, Ball is the youngest of the Ball Brothers; Lonzo and LiAngelo Ball. The sons of LaVar Ball quickly amassed nationwide stardom for their electric style of play that saw half-court three-point attempts and LaMelo’s own 92-point game broadcasted across social media. Jumping ahead, that dazzling aspect would go on to be a formative factor in creating signature LaMelo Ball shoes.

In preparation for his journey to the NBA, LaMelo signed a two-year contract with the Illawarra Hawks of the National Basketball League in Australia following a stint in the Lithuanian pro league. Averaging 17 points, 7.6 rebounds and nearly seven assists in his lone season Down Under catapulted him to the third overall selection in the 2020 Draft, picked by the Charlotte Hornets.

A Brief History Of LaMelo Ball Shoes

A month before his selection, Ball signed an endorsement deal with PUMA that was reportedly in excess of around $100 million. Headlining the brand’s return to basketball, Ball debuted his first signature silhouette, the PUMA MB.01, to an overwhelming amount of fanfare. It hit the market the following October, after the then 20-year-old was named the 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year.

#1s unapologetic attitude and flair for wild on-court moves would go on to make kids around the country emulate his style.  From the MB.01 on, his signature line has leaned into that, often centering designs around outlandish patterns and colors. Now four shoes deep, PUMA and LaMelo Ball can essentially call it a mission accomplished, as his shoes continue to command sell-outs as a result. Further, third parties often grace his silhouettes; Dexter’s Laboratory, Porsche, Rick & Morty and Nickelodeon are just a few of the imprints that’ve headlined collaborations.

Currently, PUMA and the recent All-Star are in the midst of releasing the PUMA MB.04, unveiled just before the 2024-25 NBA season tipped off. In addition to carrying Melo’s trademark flair via in-line colorways, the German giant has marched in with some notable collabs, including mismatched pairs tributing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and a version dedicated to Scooby Doo and the Mystery Gang.

Alongside the MB.o4, LaMelo threw his streetwear brand into the mix for his first off-court silhouette, the PUMA LaFrance. The chunky lifestyle model pulls from his well-established footwear favorites from his tunnel fits, including the brand Lanvin and 2000s chunky skatewear.

You can read more about LaMelo Ball shoes below, including new colorways, collaborations and release dates.