Born August 22, 2001, LaMelo LaFrance Ball has had one of the most unconventional starts to a basketball career in recent memory. LaMelo began his high school career at Chino Hills, one of the most prestigious basketball academies in the US. At Chino Hills, LaMelo competed alongside his two older brothers, LiAngelo and Lonzo Ball.
After Chino Hills, LaMelo joined LiAngelo to play overseas for BC Vytautas in the Lithuanian Basketball League. LaMelo then entered the Junior Basketball Association, created by his father, LaVar Ball. LaMelo's next destination was at SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio, before yet again transitioning abroad to Australia's National Basketball League.
LaMelo eventually declared himself eligible for the 2020 NBA Draft, where the Charlotte Hornets selected him as the 3rd overall pick. In LaMelo's rookie year, he was nominated the 2020-21 NBA Rookie of the Year, selected to the NBA's All-Rookie Team, and captured an ESPY Award as the Best Breakthrough Athlete.
While there were doubts about the skill level of LaMelo, and how he would transition to the NBA after his unique journey heading into his rookie season, he quickly adapted, proving his skeptics wrong. The Charlotte Hornets quickly trusted LaMelo at the point, now one of the rising stars of the NBA. Currently in his second year, LaMelo Ball is on a mission to bring the Charlotte Hornets back to the playoffs after a five-season hiatus and win their first playoff series since 2002. Having said that, collectors possess a high regard for LaMelo Ball's rookie cards. As he continues his significant level of play, the top 13 best LaMelo Ball rookie cards will continue to soar in value.
#13
2020 Panini Revolution LaMelo Ball Cubic RC #140 #'d/50
Recent sale: $3,500
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As a freshman in high school, LaMelo Ball attended Chino Hills High School in California, along with his brothers LiAngelo and Lonzo. LaMelo Ball was the team's starting shooting guard, leading the team to a 35-0 record and capturing the CIF SoCal Championship. For the season, Ball averaged 16.4 points, 3.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. As a result, Ball was voted the 2015-16 MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year.
Panini released 2020 Panini Revolution on March 20, 2021. Panini configured the set in eight packs of five cards in each hobby box. LaMelo's 2020 Panini Revolution Cubic rookie card is serial-numbered to 50. Of PSA’s total population of nine, six cards obtained a PSA 10, including the sale of this particular card. Since its release, collectors have yet to send LaMelo's card to Beckett for grading.
While LaMelo Ball didn't start an NBA game until midway through his rookie season, he's quickly making up for the lost time. On August 26, 2021, a collector purchased LaMelo's Cubic rookie card for $3,500. The Hornets and collectors both have high hopes for the budding star. As such, LaMelo's 2020 Panini Revolution Cubic rookie card is a reliable asset for any collector.
#12
2020 Panini Crown Royale LaMelo Ball FOTL Black Crystal RC #79 #'d/4
Recent sale: $3,995
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In his sophomore year at Chino Hills, LaMelo Ball went off for one of the most incredible performances in high school basketball history. On February 7, 2017, LaMelo Ball tallied 30-39 of his two-point field goals, shot 7-22 beyond the arc, and 7-11 from the free-throw line en route to a 92-point performance. In his surreal performance, Ball scored a whopping 41 points in the 4th quarter, leading Chino Hills to a 146-123 victory over Los Osos High School.
Panini released 2020-21 Panini Crown Royale 1st Off The Line on April 27, 2021. Each FOTL distributed one pack of eight cards containing exclusive autograph cards, including Ball's Black Crystal parallel card. Ball's 2020 Panini Crown Royale FOTL Black Crystal rookie card is his most limited card, serial-numbered to only four. Three of four Ball's Black Crystal FOTL rookie cards have emerged, comprising one PSA 7, one PSA 9, and one BGS 9.
Ball's PSA 9 rookie card sold on September 9, 2021, for $3,995. As one card has yet to surface, the future projected value of Ball's 2020 Panini Crown Royal FOTL Black Crystal rookie card is hanging in the balance.
#11
2020 Panini Flawless Collegiate LaMelo Ball Autographed Patch RC #114 #'d/20
Recent sale: $4,088
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After LaMelo's sophomore year at Chino Hills, he played in Lithuania for BC Vytautas, alongside his brother LiAngelo. In 8 games for BC Vytautas, LaMelo scored 6.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Understandably, LaMelo's minutes were inconsistent for the club as he was just 17 years old. After just three months in Lithuania, Ball transitioned to the Junior Basketball Association.
Panini issued 2020 Panini Flawless Collegiate to collectors exclusively through Panini's website on December 23, 2020. The set presented one pack of ten cards in a highly recognizable metal briefcase. 2020 Panini Flawless Collegiate is a cherished set where collectors could expect six autographed cards, two memorabilia cards, and two gem cards.
LaMelo's 2020 Panini Flawless Collegiate rookie patch autograph card is serial-numbered to 20 and currently has a total population of three. PSA has graded all three cards, obtaining a PSA 8, PSA 9, and PSA 10, respectively. This RPA featuring LaMelo Ball was fortunate to earn the PSA 10, fetching $4,088 on August 29, 2021. The ceiling is endless for the lone PSA 10 of Ball's 2020 Panini Flawless Collegiate RPA.
#10
2020 Panini Court Kings LaMelo Ball Blank Slate RC #5
Recent sale: $4,252
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After LaMelo competed in Lithuania, he joined the Junior Basketball Association, created by his father, LaVar Ball. The Junior Basketball Association aimed to provide the highest-ranked high school prospects with an alternative to college basketball, where players can earn between $3,000 to $10,000 per month. In his first five games as a member of the Los Angeles Ballers, Ball averaged a triple-double, behind 37.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game.
2020-21 Panini Court Kings released on May 26, 2021, offering one pack containing 10 cards in each hobby box. Each hobby box holds one autograph, one memorabilia card, two inserts, one parallel, one rookie, and four base cards. The Blank Slate checklist highlights 40 players, though LaMelo's rookie card is one of the most sought-after.
Ball's 2020 Panini Court Kings Blank Slate rookie card is one of three cards not serial-numbered to make the list of his top rookie cards. With a total population of eight, seven cards obtained a PSA 10, and one card earned a PSA 9. To date, Beckett hasn't graded any of LaMelo Ball's 2020 Panini Court Kings Blank Slate rookie cards. Ball's super short-printed Blank Slate rookie card features an extremely low population despite not being serial-numbered. As such, his Blank Slate rookie card is highly coveted and one of LaMelo Ball's best rookie cards.
#9
2020 Panini Absolute Memorabilia LaMelo Ball Jumbo Basketball NBA Logo RC #JB-LAM #'d/5
Recent sale: $5,000
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After competing in the Junior Basketball Association, LaMelo Ball enrolled at SPIRE Institute in Geneva, Ohio for his senior year. LaMelo was a hot commodity, leading to sold-out crowds to see him compete. The introduction of Ball to SPIRE Institute wasn't without scrutiny. Because there was uncertainty around whether Ball received compensation overseas, many schools believed he wasn't eligible to play, and multiple teams backed out of scheduled contests versus SPIRE.
Released on March 24, 2021, 2020 Panini Absolute Memorabilia features two packs of five cards per hobby box. The Jumbo NBA Logoman checklist features 38 players. The iconic set highlights the Spalding Logo limited to 15 cards and the NBA Logoman limited to five cards. LaMelo's 2020 Panini Absolute Memorabilia Jumbo NBA Logoman rookie card is his second most limited, serial-numbered to five cards. Ball's NBA Logoman rookie card has a total population of two, one from each PSA and BGS.
With a BGS 8.5 intact as the highest awarded grade for Ball's 2020 Panini Absolute Logoman rookie card, collectors anxiously await Ball's card to surface containing a higher grade.
#8
2020 Panini Select LaMelo Ball White Prizm RC #63 #'d/149
Recent sale: $6,500
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After LaMelo Ball's senior year at SPIRE Institute, he played internationally in Australia's National Basketball League for the Illawarra Hawks. The 6'7" guard appeared in 12 games for the Hawks, averaging 31.3 minutes per game. In the 2019-20 NBL season, Ball averaged 17 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. On November 25, 2019, Ball played his most memorable game for the Hawks. On 11-20 shooting, Ball accumulated 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists, en route to a triple-double.
The iconic 2020 Panini Select set released on July 30, 2021, provided collectors 12 packs of five cards in each hobby box. The set introduced numerous parallel cards, including White Prizms, each serial-numbered to 149. Ball's White Prizm rookie card from 2020 Panini Select has a total population of 18, all of which are graded by PSA. With a total of eight cards obtaining a PSA 10, 44% of Ball's White Prizm rookie card received the ultimate grade.
Despite playing in just 12 games, the NBL voted LaMelo Ball as the Rookie of the Year. After declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft, he quickly generated noise throughout NBA's front offices and basketball card collectors. After Panini's 2020 Panini Select release, Ball's White Prizm card immediately became one of his most treasured rookie cards.
#7
2020 Panini Hoops LaMelo Ball Base RC #223
Recent sale: $7,350
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LaMelo Ball was ranked the number one prospect heading into the 2020 NBA Draft. Though, Ball slipped to the number three spot on draft night, ultimately selected third overall by the Charlotte Hornets. LaMelo's highly anticipated NBA debut on December 23, 2020 was rather disappointing for the Rookie. In just under 16 minutes of play, LaMelo shot 0-5 from the field, including 0-3 beyond the arc, and had three turnovers. Despite the slow start, LaMelo averaged 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in his rookie season and was elected the 2020-21 NBA Rookie of the Year.
Panini issued 2020 Panini Hoops on February 3, 2021 in hobby, retail, blaster, and gravity feed boxes, where LaMelo Ball's base rookie card can appear from any of them. Ball's rookie card from 2020 Panini Hoops has the highest population of any card on the list, inclduing 1,508 from PSA and 135 from BGS. Including the population report from both PSA and BGS, Ball's rookie card obtained a PSA or BGS 10 at a 48% clip.
In addition to capturing the Rookie of the Year award, LaMelo ranked high in league-wide statistical categories. In his rookie year, Ball averaged 6.1 assists (17th) and 1.6 steals (9th). While his 2020 Panini Hoops base rookie card holds the highest population, it remains one of LaMelo Ball's top rookie cards.
#6
2020 Panini National Treasures LaMelo Ball Colossal Material Autographs Prime RC #CM-LMB #'d/25
Recent sale: $8,500
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LaMelo Ball put up some substantial figures in his first 20 games as a rookie, though he wouldn't grasp a nod in the starting rotation until his 21st game. On February 1, 2021, Ball started for the Hornets and played a career-high 31 minutes and 26 seconds up to this point. As the starting point guard, Ball posted 14 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. LaMelo Ball immediately earned the starting point guard role for the franchise and has started every game since.
Panini released the iconic set on August 11, 2021 in one pack of 10 cards. A hobby box contained four autographs, four memorabilia cards, one printing plate, and either one base or parallel card. LaMelo Ball's 2020 Panini National Treasures Colossal Material Autographs Prime rookie card is serial-numbered to 25. The total population of LaMelo's card is only two, making his rookie card from the set one of his most limited cards for the time being. Both cards received the identical grade, though graded by different card grading companies, including one receiving a PSA 9 and the other a BGS 9. The sale of LaMelo's Colossal Material Autographs Prime rookie card was for the PSA 9 graded card.
One of the most sought-after sets in recent memory is the 2020 Panini National Treasures basketball set. With that said, one of the most valuable cards of the set is LaMelo Ball's Colossal Material Autographs Prime rookie card.
#5
2020 Panini Prizm LaMelo Ball Blue Shimmer Prizms RC #278 #'d/35
Recent sale: $9,000
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When Ball was a reserve for the Hornets in his rookie season, he played 25.0 minutes per game, versus 31.2 minutes as a starter. As a reserve, Ball averaged 12.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists versus 18.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists as the starting point guard. In his rookie season, the success of the Hornets came down to Ball's performance. In the 28 games that the Hornets lost when Ball played, he averaged 14.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per contest. In the 23 games Ball appeared, and the Hornets won, he amassed 17 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game.
2020 Panini Prizm inserted 12 packs of 12 cards in each hobby box. LaMelo Ball's Blue Shimmer Prizms rookie card from 2020 Panini Prizm is serial-numbered to 35. Ball's card has a total PSA population of 13, featuring five cards receiving a PSA 10. BGS has graded seven of Ball's Blue Shimmer Prizms cards, with no cards obtaining a BGS 10 and four earning a BGS 9.5. Between PSA and BGS, 25% of Ball's Blue Shimmer Prizms rookie cards received a PSA or BGS 10.
LaMelo's Blue Shimmer Prizms rookie card from 2020 Panini Prizm is ranked his 5th most valuable rookie card and remains highly coveted among basketball collectors.
#4
2020 Panini Crown Royale LaMelo Ball Kaboom RC #23
Recent sale: $9,000
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On February 5, 2021, just his third game starting as a member of the Hornets, LaMelo had one of the best games of his career. In 38 minutes of play, LaMelo scored a career-high 34 points on 14-27 shooting, including 4-9 beyond the arc. He also accumulated four rebounds and eight assists in the contest. In addition to averaging 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in his rookie year, Ball also averaged 1.8 three-pointers and 1.6 steals per game.
His second appearance from 2020 Panini Crown Royale is LaMelo's Kaboom! rookie card. The Kaboom! inserts have a 25-card checklist in the 2020 Panini Crown Royale set. Ball's Kaboom! rookie card is his most valuable card that isn't serial-numbered. To date, none of LaMelo's Kaboom! rookie cards are graded by BGS, with 58 graded by PSA. Of the 58 cards graded, 35 cards, about 60% received a PSA 10.
As LaMelo achieved the 2020-21 Rookie of the Year and the All-Rookie team, his rookie season was a definite success. In years past, Kaboom! insert cards often carry more value than some autograph and memorabilia cards. That happens to be the case in Ball's Kaboom! rookie card, as it's ranked his 4th most valuable rookie card.
#3
2020 Panini Crown Royale LaMelo Ball Rookie Silhouettes Prime RC #104 #'d/25
Recent sale: $10,000
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After his success in his first NBA season, the expectations for LaMelo Ball are sky-high. In just the first four games of his sophomore season, Ball shows significant improvements across the board. In the 2021-22 season, Ball is averaging 22.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists for the Charlotte Hornets. Not only that, but Ball's field goal percentage has increased from 43% in his rookie season to 47% in his sophomore campaign. While four games is a small sample size, he's knocking down four three-pointers per game at a 50% clip. In two of those four games, Ball amassed seven three-pointers.
Ball's third and final card from 2020 Panini Crown Royale is ranked his 3rd most valuable rookie card. The Rookie Silhouettes cards are the headline of the set, with a 40-card checklist highlighting the top rookies heading into the 2020-21 NBA season. Ball's Rookie Silhouettes Prime RPA card is serial-numbered to 25 and has a total population of three between PSA and BGS.
After LaMelo Ball captured the Rookie of the Year award, collectors took notice of his future potential in the NBA. Just weeks ahead of the 2021-22 NBA Season, a collector purchased Ball's PSA 9 2020 Panini Crown Royale Rookie Silhouettes Prime RPA for $10,000, ensuring this card is one of the best LaMelo Ball rookie cards.
#2
2020 Panini Select LaMelo Ball Neon Orange Pulsar Prizms FOTL RC #298 #'d/15
Recent sale: $14,100
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In the first contest of the 2021-22 season, Ball went ballistic for the hometown crowd. In just under 29 minutes of play, Ball went 11 of 23 from the field, including seven of nine from deep to record 31 points. He also nearly missed recording his first triple-double, totaling nine rebounds and seven assists. Most importantly, Ball carried the Hornets, who were down 16 at halftime, to a superb come from behind victory at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
Ball's second and final appearance on the list from 2020 Panini Select is none other than his Neon Orange Pulsar Prizms FOTL rookie card. Neon Orange Pulsar cards are exclusively issued in FOTL hobby boxes. Ball's iconic rookie card is from the Courtside checklist and is one of his most limited rookie cards, serial-numbered to 15. To date, BGS has yet to grade this particular LaMelo card, though PSA graded seven. Four of the seven cards (roughly 57%) earned a PSA 10, this card included.
If LaMelo continues at this level of play, his Neon Orange Pulsar Prizms FOTL rookie card, Ball's second most valuable card, has the potential to reach unprecedented levels.
#1
2020 Panini National Treasures LaMelo Ball Rookie Patch Autographs Purple RC #130 #'d/8
Recent sale: $140,100
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Ball produced highlight reels in his rookie season and was one of the most electric players in the league when he was on the court. Ball was more than worthy of the 2020-21 Rookie of the Year and set the bar high for himself for his sophomore season. It would not be surprising if LaMelo's current stat line early in the year of 22.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.8 assists continues, and he secures his first All-Star team selection.
The 2020-21 Panini National Treasures set is one of the most premium basketball sets and remains highly sought-after by collectors. While a hobby box contains 10 cards, a FOTL box features 11 cards and is the exclusive location of Ball's 2020-21 Panini National Treasures rookie card. LaMelo Ball's 2020 Panini National Treasures Purple rookie patch autograph card is by far his most valuable rookie card on record. LaMelo's card received a PSA 9 for the card's condition and a PSA/DNA 10 for Ball's autograph. On September 13, 2021, a collector Purchased Ball's historic rookie card for $140,100.
As Ball continues to play at an extremely high level, the value o f his 2020 Panini National Treasures Purple rookie patch autograph card will remain his most coveted rookie card for years to come.
LaMelo Ball's Epic Journey to NBA Stardom
After a successful rookie campaign, LaMelo Ball is quickly becoming a household NBA. In addition to his scoring prowess, and high basketball IQ, LaMelo Ball is also a selfless player. In a matchup earlier this year versus the Brooklyn Nets, Ball, the Hornets starting point guard, elected to ride the bench in the 4th quarter because he felt backup Ish Smith, who was having a solid game, gave the Hornets the best chance of winning the game. With moments like this, the 20-year-old sophomore point guard sets himself apart. Behind his basketball abilities and selflessness, the inherent value of LaMelo Ball’s rookie cards is second to none.
