LaMelo Ball currently wears the number 1 jersey for the Charlotte Hornets, having officially switched before the 2022–23 season. Historically, he couldn’t wear it during his first two NBA seasons due to a combination of teammate occupancy and strict league regulations.
When drafted in 2020, teammate Malik Monk already owned the number. Although Monk departed in 2021, the NBA’s year-advance notification deadline for jersey changes forced Ball to remain in number 2 for another year.
Today, the number 1 remains a core pillar of his “1 of 1” identity, spanning from his childhood to professional dominance.
Why Did LaMelo Ball Wear Number 2 for Two Seasons?
The primary reason LaMelo Ball was initially prevented from wearing his signature number was the roster composition of the Charlotte Hornets at the time of his arrival.
While Ball has been synonymous with the number 1 throughout his entire amateur and international career, entering the NBA required him to navigate established team hierarchies and complex league-wide administrative protocols.
The Malik Monk Factor in Charlotte
When the Charlotte Hornets selected LaMelo Ball with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the number 1 jersey was already claimed by guard Malik Monk.
In professional basketball culture, jersey numbers are often treated as personal property, and veteran players typically have seniority over incoming rookies.
Monk was not willing to relinquish the number at the time of Ball’s drafting, which effectively blocked the rookie from his preferred choice.
Consequently, Ball opted for number 2 as a temporary substitute, choosing it largely out of respect for his older brother, Lonzo Ball, who has famously worn that number during his own professional tenure.
Navigating the NBA’s Jersey Change Deadlines
The situation became more complicated during the 2021 offseason. When Malik Monk signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in August 2021, the number 1 jersey was physically vacated and available for the first time since Ball joined the Hornets.
However, the NBA maintains strict notification deadlines for players who wish to change their jersey numbers. The league typically requires a year’s advance notice for such requests. Because Monk’s departure occurred late in the summer, Ball missed the filing window.
To bypass this rule and switch immediately, a player must often pay to buy out the remaining retail inventory of their current jersey—a cost that can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.
For Ball, these administrative hurdles meant he was legally required by league rules to wear number 2 for a second consecutive year, much to his public frustration.
The Childhood Origin of LaMelo Ball’s Number 1
To understand why this specific digit is so integral to Ball’s persona, one must look back at his early years on the court.
For many athletes, jersey numbers are a matter of aesthetic preference or an homage to a childhood idol, but for Ball, the number 1 was a forced necessity that eventually became his permanent identity.
A Necessity Born from Jersey Size Constraints
LaMelo Ball’s journey with the number 1 began as a solution to a physical problem rather than a stylistic choice. As a young child, Ball frequently played in basketball leagues against much older and larger competition.
When it came time to select a jersey, he originally desired a classic double-digit number, such as 23. However, because he was significantly smaller than his peers at the time, the double-digit jerseys were far too large for his tiny frame.
The single-digit jerseys were designed with a smaller physical cut, and the smallest available jersey in the equipment bag was the number 1.
He began wearing it simply because it was the only one that fit, and he quickly developed an affinity for it as he began to dominate the court.
Transitioning from Necessity to Personal Identity
What started as a logistical solution rapidly evolved into a symbol of excellence. As Ball grew and moved through the ranks of elite youth basketball, the number 1 became a constant.
He wore it during the legendary 35-0 undefeated season at Chino Hills High School, where he played alongside his brothers and helped lead the team to a number 1 national ranking. This period solidified the connection between the number and his on-court success.
By the time he reached the professional level in Lithuania and Australia, he viewed the number as an essential part of his “1 of 1” persona—a reminder of his unique path and his ability to stand out regardless of his size or age.
A Comprehensive History of LaMelo Ball’s Jersey Numbers
Throughout his career, Ball has maintained a remarkably consistent relationship with his jersey number, with the early years in Charlotte being the notable exception. The following table highlights the continuity of the number 1 across various global stages.
| Career Team / Level | Timeframe | Jersey Number | Context and Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth & AAU Leagues | Childhood – 2015 | #1 | Smallest physical jersey available; fit his frame. |
| Chino Hills High School | 2015 – 2017 | #1 | 35-0 undefeated season; national recognition. |
| BC Vytautas (Lithuania) | 2018 | #1 | High-profile professional debut overseas. |
| L.A. Ballers (JBA) | 2018 | #1 | Won JBA Championship under his father’s league. |
| SPIRE Academy (Ohio) | 2018 – 2019 | #1 | Final year of high school in the United States. |
| Illawarra Hawks (NBL) | 2019 – 2020 | #1 | Named NBL Rookie of the Year in Australia. |
| Charlotte Hornets (NBA) | 2020 – 2022 | #2 | Forced switch due to Malik Monk; respect for Lonzo. |
| Charlotte Hornets (NBA) | 2022 – Present | #1 | Successfully reclaimed signature number. |
Why the Number 1 is Critical to the Ball Brand
In the modern era of professional sports, an athlete’s jersey number is more than just a piece of equipment; it is a multi-million dollar brand asset.
For LaMelo Ball, the number 1 is the cornerstone of a global marketing machine that extends far beyond the hardwood of the Spectrum Center.
Synergy with the “1 of 1” Marketing Strategy
The number 1 serves as the visual representation of Ball’s personal slogan: “1 of 1”. This branding is built on the premise that he is a unique talent with a singular career trajectory—moving from California to Lithuania, then to the JBA, and finally to Australia before becoming an NBA All-Star.
His signature shoe line with Puma leans heavily into this “1 of 1” identity, utilizing the number 1 as a core design element.
From a marketing perspective, having his jersey number align perfectly with his brand slogan creates a cohesive and powerful image for consumers, reinforcing his status as a “one-of-a-kind” athlete.
The Symbolic Value of Uniqueness in Professional Sports
Beyond the commercial benefits, the number 1 carries significant psychological weight for Ball. During his time wearing number 2, he was vocal about the fact that it “didn’t feel right” and that he was fighting every day to reclaim his true identity.
He famously stated that he was not “supposed to wear No. 2 ever again in his life”. Reclaiming the number 1 allowed him to feel like himself on the court again, which is a common sentiment among elite athletes who view their number as a source of confidence and a connection to their past successes.
By wearing number 1, Ball signals to the world that he has returned to the version of himself that dominated high school and international professional leagues.
How LaMelo Ball Reclaimed His Signature Number
The process of switching back to number 1 was a multi-year endeavor that required patience, public advocacy, and meticulous adherence to NBA administrative guidelines.
It was a journey that fans followed closely, as it represented Ball’s official arrival as the undisputed face of the Hornets franchise.
The Paperwork and Official Approval Process
After two years of frustration, Ball and his representatives finally met the NBA’s rigorous criteria for a number change. In July 2022, the league officially approved his request to switch from number 2 back to number 1 for the 2022–23 season.
This approval was possible because Ball’s team filed the necessary paperwork well in advance of the league’s deadline, avoiding the logistical roadblocks that had stymied him in 2021.
This move was not just about the number on his back; it was a symbolic reset for the player as he moved into the prime of his young career, fully integrated into the Hornets’ long-term vision.
Impact on Performance and Court Presence
While some may view a jersey number as a superficial detail, Ball has consistently emphasized its impact on his mindset.
Upon finally making the switch, he explained his motivation simply: “I feel like No. 1 is just me, so I just want to be me out there”. This level of comfort is essential for a high-usage playmaker who relies on instinct and creativity.
Since returning to number 1, Ball has continued to build on his All-Star resume, proving that the number change was the final piece of the puzzle in establishing his professional identity.
Frequently Asked Questions About LaMelo Ball’s Jersey
Did LaMelo Ball ever wear number 1 in the NBA?
Yes, he has officially worn number 1 since the start of the 2022–23 NBA season.
Why did he wear number 2 for his first two seasons?
He wore number 2 because Malik Monk already owned number 1 when Ball was drafted, and later, NBA deadline rules prevented an immediate switch after Monk left.
Is number 1 his favorite number?
Yes, it became his favorite after he was forced to wear it as a child because it was the only size that fit.
Does Lonzo Ball wear number 1?
No, Lonzo Ball famously wears number 2, which is one reason LaMelo chose it as a temporary option out of respect.
What does “1 of 1” mean?
It is LaMelo Ball’s personal slogan and brand identity, signifying that he is a unique, one-of-a-kind individual and player.
Final Take: The Future of the “1 of 1” Legacy
The saga of LaMelo Ball’s jersey number is a testament to the intersection of personal history, professional branding, and league bureaucracy. What began as a childhood necessity has transformed into one of the most recognizable brands in the sport.
By reclaiming the number 1, Ball has aligned his physical presence on the court with the “1 of 1” philosophy that defines his life off of it.
As he continues to lead the Charlotte Hornets, the number 1 will remain a permanent fixture of his legacy, serving as a reminder that being unique is not just a marketing slogan—it is the foundation of his entire career.
Fans looking to support the “1 of 1” movement can now find his official number 1 gear, marking a new chapter in the evolution of one of basketball’s most dynamic young stars.
