Viral Rumor: LiAngelo Ball Falsely Reported to Join Hornets, Reunite with Brother LaMelo

NBA fans excited by the prospect of the Ball brothers playing together, but the report is just satire.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 3:47am

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A viral social media post claiming that LiAngelo Ball has signed with the Charlotte Hornets to play alongside his brother LaMelo is false. LiAngelo Ball actually announced his retirement from basketball last summer and is now pursuing a rap career under the stage name GELO. The original tweet that sparked the rumor came from a satirical account, but it has been viewed over 1 million times, leading many NBA fans to falsely believe the two brothers will be reunited on the court.

Why it matters

The Ball family, including LaMelo and his older brothers Lonzo and LiAngelo, have long attracted significant media attention and fan interest due to their basketball careers and personalities. This latest viral rumor highlights how quickly misinformation can spread on social media, especially when it involves high-profile athletes like the Ball brothers.

The details

The viral tweet claiming LiAngelo Ball signed with the Hornets came from an account that clearly states it posts satire, but that did not stop the rumor from gaining traction. LiAngelo Ball, the middle Ball brother, never actually played in the NBA, coming closest with a stint in the G League for the Greensboro Swarm. He announced his retirement from basketball last summer to focus on his rap music career under the stage name GELO.

  • LiAngelo Ball announced his retirement from basketball in the summer of 2025.
  • The viral tweet falsely claiming LiAngelo signed with the Hornets was posted on February 19, 2026.

The players

LiAngelo Ball

The middle Ball brother who never made it to the NBA, announcing his retirement from basketball in 2025 to pursue a rap music career.

LaMelo Ball

The youngest Ball brother, currently playing for the Charlotte Hornets.

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What they’re saying

“BREAKING: LiAngelo Ball has signed with the Charlotte Hornets. He will now get the opportunity to play with his brother LaMelo Ball.”

— Jake Morrison

The takeaway

This viral rumor highlights the speed at which misinformation can spread on social media, especially when it involves high-profile athletes like the Ball brothers. It serves as a reminder for sports fans to verify news reports, especially those that seem too good to be true, before sharing them widely.