LaMelo Ball joins NBA legends after hitting career milestone

Hornets star becomes fifth player in history to reach impressive statistical feat

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:23pm

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Charlotte Hornets superstar LaMelo Ball made NBA history in the matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, becoming the fifth player in league history to record 5,000 points, 1,500 rebounds, and 2,000 assists in his first 300 career games. Ball joins an elite group that includes Magic Johnson, Walt Frazier, Oscar Robertson, and Luka Doncic.

Why it matters

LaMelo Ball's achievement cements his status as one of the league's brightest young stars, joining the ranks of all-time greats who accomplished this rare statistical feat early in their careers. Despite dealing with injuries this season, Ball continues to make his mark on the NBA and solidify his place among the game's elite players.

The details

Ball reached the milestone in just 270 games, faster than the other four players who have accomplished the feat. This season, the 24-year-old is averaging 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game while shooting 40.6% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range. The Hornets have limited his minutes this year (27.2 per game) as he works to get back to full health and consistency after missing time due to various injuries.

  • LaMelo Ball reached the 5,000 points, 1,500 rebounds, 2,000 assists milestone in the Hornets' game against the Mavericks on January 30, 2026.

The players

LaMelo Ball

A 24-year-old superstar guard for the Charlotte Hornets who has emerged as one of the NBA's brightest young talents.

Kon Knueppel

A rookie standout for the Dallas Mavericks who was a former Duke teammate of Cooper Flagg.

Cooper Flagg

A rookie standout for the Dallas Mavericks who was a former Duke teammate of Kon Knueppel.

Magic Johnson

A legendary NBA player who is one of the four other players to have reached the 5,000 points, 1,500 rebounds, 2,000 assists milestone in their first 300 games.

Walt Frazier

A legendary NBA player who is one of the four other players to have reached the 5,000 points, 1,500 rebounds, 2,000 assists milestone in their first 300 games.

Oscar Robertson

A legendary NBA player who is one of the four other players to have reached the 5,000 points, 1,500 rebounds, 2,000 assists milestone in their first 300 games.

Luka Doncic

A superstar NBA player who is one of the four other players to have reached the 5,000 points, 1,500 rebounds, 2,000 assists milestone in their first 300 games.

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What they’re saying

“LaMelo is the 5th player in NBA history to record 5000 PTS, 1500 REB, and 2000 AST in his first 300 career games, joining Magic Johnson, Walt Frazier, Oscar Robertson and Luka Doncic.”

— Charlotte Hornets

The takeaway

LaMelo Ball's historic achievement cements his status as one of the NBA's brightest young stars, joining an elite group of all-time greats who accomplished this rare statistical feat early in their careers. Despite dealing with injuries this season, Ball continues to make his mark on the league and solidify his place among the game's elite players.