Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball may be a father, according to comments made by his father, LaVar Ball. The claim, made on The Ball in the Family podcast, has quickly drawn attention, though neither LaMelo Ball nor the child’s mother, model Ana Montana, have publicly confirmed the news. The revelation comes as LaVar Ball outlined his ambitious plans for developing the next generation of Ball family basketball players.
During the podcast appearance, LaVar Ball referenced his sons having families, stating, “Gelo already got my number one pick: La’One. If I raised you three killas in the backyard, what do you think I’m finna do with a gym in the backyard?” This casual remark sparked immediate speculation about LaMelo’s personal life, as he has consistently maintained a degree of privacy regarding his relationships. As of Friday, March 20, 2026, no official statement has been released by LaMelo Ball or his representatives.
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LaVar Ball’s Vision for the Next Generation
Beyond the personal news, LaVar Ball’s comments on the podcast focused heavily on his plans for training the next generation of Ball family athletes. He detailed a rigorous program, envisioning starting training for his grandchildren as young as four years old. “They’re gonna start at four, but here’s the thing: I’ll place the hoops down in the gym, they’ll travel sideways, and I’ll invite teams over there to play my team of four four and five year olds,” Ball explained. This approach reflects his long-held belief in early and intensive athletic development, a strategy he previously employed with his sons, LaMelo, Lonzo, and Gelo.
LaMelo Ball, currently a point guard for the Charlotte Hornets, was selected third overall in the 2020 NBA draft. According to his Wikipedia page, he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2021 and an NBA All-Star in 2022. His on-court performance has been a key factor in the Hornets’ recent improvements, with his father recently asserting that LaMelo has been vital to the team’s turnaround, as reported by Pro Football Network.
Relationship with Ana Montana
LaMelo Ball has been in a long-term relationship with Ana Montana, a model and social media personality. However, there has been no public confirmation linking Montana to the claim regarding the child. Montana maintains a significant social media presence, but has not addressed the reports as of Friday, March 20, 2026. The lack of direct confirmation from either Ball or Montana leaves the situation largely reliant on LaVar Ball’s statements.
The news arrives as LaMelo Ball continues his career with the Hornets. His performance remains a central focus for the team, and any developments in his personal life are likely to be closely watched by fans and the media. The Hornets are currently navigating a competitive season in the NBA, and LaMelo’s contributions will be crucial to their success.
As of now, the situation remains unconfirmed. Further updates are expected to emerge as either LaMelo Ball or Ana Montana choose to address the claims publicly. The next opportunity for official comment may come through team statements or social media posts.
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