Much was talked about LaMelo Ball crashing his camouflage-colored custom Hummer in Charlotte last February. Later that month, Ball was seen driving his red Rolls-Royce Cullinan at a slower speed, appearing more careful.
But while some say that totaling his Hummer has made LaMelo a better driver, he isn't taking any chances now that he is in Minnesota. During the first episode of his dad LaVar's new podcast "The LaVar Ball Show", the 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year admitted that he now uses a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van around town and that he has hired a driver.
"What kind of whips are we rolling in these days, man? I know Melo, you got 12 cars, man. Which one you rolling in these days?" asked LaVar.
"Watch out!" inserted Lonzo.
"Sprinter…I got a driver," replied LaMelo.
"Oh, you got a driver? They said you was too busy running into folks, man."
It can be recalled that LaMelo was crossing the busy Trade and Tryon intersection in downtown Charlotte last February when his Hummer collided head-on with an incoming car. Both vehicles were damaged, but thankfully, no one was injured in the crash.
In 2024, LaMelo was sued for allegedly running over the foot of a 12-year-old fan who was trying to get his autograph at a Hornets fan event in October 2023. The boy reportedly suffered permanent damage, and the family was seeking $3.75 million for damages. The case was settled before going to trial.
After LaMelo was recently traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves , fantasy sports website and betting app Underdog put up a billboard in Minnesota to warn residents about LaMelo's notorious driving skills.
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That warning is now useless as LaMelo no longer drives in the Twin Cities. He has also traded his fast and fancy whips for a more family-oriented Sprinter. However, while Ball is no longer expected to cause trouble on the roads, ESPN's Michael Wilbon thinks the Timberwolves will have problems on the court with LaMelo on board .
"It's a dynamic backcourt. I get it. But Minnesota has already been to two Conference finals. They're not trying to be dynamic. They're trying to win," Wilbon told Stephen A. Smith.
"And listen to me. LaMelo Ball is great. I've got an 18-year-old who plays a little point guard in high school. He shoots a lot of threes. He loves LaMelo Ball. In this house, LaMelo Ball is like a god," he continued. "But as far as I'm concerned, LaMelo Ball isn't as valuable as Naz Reid."
In fairness to the Wolves, Anthony Edwards has been complaining about double teams for the last couple of seasons, and while he's made adjustments over that period, it still seems to be his Achilles Heel. However, with LaMelo as his backcourt partner, that issue should be solved. However, there may be more issues coming than solved, as Wilbon said.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jul 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
