LiAngelo Ball’s Music Career Boosts LaMelo’s All-Star Votes, Analyst Claims

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — LaMelo Ball, the Charlotte Hornets‘ star guard, is on track for his second NBA All-Star appearance, leading Eastern Conference guards in fan voting with 1,490,227 votes. However, NBA analyst Michelle Beadle suggests his success may be tied to his brother LiAngelo Ball‘s rising music career rather than his on-court performance.

Fan voting, which accounts for 50% of the All-Star selection process, has placed LaMelo ahead of top guards like Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and Damian Lillard. Despite the Hornets’ struggling 8-28 record, LaMelo is averaging career-highs of 29.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. However, his shooting efficiency remains subpar at 42.0% from the field and 33.9% from three-point range.

On FanDuel TV‘s “Run It Back,” Beadle speculated that LiAngelo’s recent musical success has boosted LaMelo’s popularity. “I think Lou (Williams) was onto it on Friday that LaMelo Ball’s brother’s burgeoning music career has somehow boosted the votes,” Beadle said. “‘Cause it does feel a little like, ‘How is New York alone not getting these votes up?'”

LiAngelo Ball, the middle Ball brother, has gained attention for his hit song “Tweaker,” released on Jan. 3. The track’s virality led to a reported $13 million deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group, including $8 million guaranteed and full ownership of his music. While it’s unclear if LiAngelo’s success directly influenced LaMelo’s votes, the timing has sparked debate among analysts and fans.

Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks, who ranks fourth among East guards with 934,960 votes, has been a standout performer for one of the league’s top teams. The Knicks hold a 26-14 record, but Brunson’s fan support lags behind LaMelo’s. Co-host Lou Williams urged New Yorkers to rally behind Brunson, saying, “New York, y’all gotta show up and show out, man. Y’all can’t be one of the best teams in the league and have your guy sitting in fourth with the season that he’s having. Get out and vote, New York.”

While fan voting heavily favors LaMelo, Brunson is expected to gain ground in player and media voting, where team success is often prioritized. Regardless, both guards are strong contenders for All-Star spots, with LaMelo’s creative playstyle and LiAngelo’s unexpected musical rise adding intrigue to the race.