Lonzo Ball said that playing against his brother, LaMelo Ball, is always special, but Friday night’s game felt even more significant. The game ended with a 125-123 victory for the Charlotte Hornets, marking the first time the two brothers had shared an NBA court since November 29, 2021.
This game was particularly special for the Ball family because it had been 1,145 days since the brothers last faced off, and their middle brother, LiAngelo, was also in the stands. LiAngelo had just signed a new record deal.
“It would’ve been a lot better if we won,” Lonzo said, laughing after the Bulls’ loss. “Playing him, it’s definitely bigger than most games for me, just because he is my little brother, man, and I grew up playing with him my whole life.”
The long break between their matchups comes after both brothers have struggled with injuries in recent years. LaMelo has not played more than 36 games in each of the last two seasons, and he missed the first two matchups between the teams this season.
However, LaMelo has played the Bulls four times since that 2021 game. Lonzo, on the other hand, missed 2½ years due to multiple knee injuries before making his return this season.
“The journey was amazing too,” LaMelo said about his brother’s return. “The whole family, it’s always amazing whenever I see both my brothers. Great times.”
Lonzo finished with 6 points on 2-of-6 shooting, along with 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. He was part of the closing lineup for Chicago during their comeback attempt in the fourth quarter.
Charlotte had a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter to take the lead, but the Bulls responded with a 14-3 run before ultimately falling short. The Bulls have now lost four straight games. LaMelo led the Hornets with 26 points and 9 assists.
“To see the growth has been amazing,” Lonzo said about his younger brother.
Both teams had an off day on Thursday, which allowed the Ball brothers to enjoy dinner together in Chicago before the game. Lonzo cherished this moment, as each brother is currently finding success in his own way. LiAngelo is seeing success in the music world, having produced the first hit rap single of 2025.
“He’s big time right now,” Lonzo joked. “Those rappers are a little different, man.”
LaMelo is leading the league in All-Star voting for guards, and Lonzo is playing important minutes for the Bulls after sitting out nearly three years and undergoing a groundbreaking cartilage replacement surgery.
“We do what we always do when we see each other, just kicking at the crib, man,” Lonzo said. “We kids again, to be honest. Pulled up, I had a chef cook for us, got some good food and just chilled all night.”
After the game, there was plenty of playful competition and trash talk between the brothers. When they met after the final buzzer, Lonzo reminded LaMelo that their head-to-head record was now tied. LaMelo didn’t agree.
“Our record is 2-2, so I mean he can’t be too happy about that,” Lonzo said. “But to him, it’s 3-1 his way. I don’t know how that guy thinks sometimes.”
