LaMelo Ball was already well-known before playing a game in the NBA. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft went viral for his insane scoring performances, half-court shots, and outspoken dad at Chino Hills High School.
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He gained further attention by starring on the Facebook Watch reality show "Ball in the Family" with his older brothers Lonzo Ball and LiAngelo Ball and dropping out of high school to play overseas in Lithuania. Being in the spotlight since he was a barely a teenager helped prepare him for the professional stage.
Melo excelled on the Illwarra Hawks of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL), yet many people doubted if he could succeed in the NBA. He proved them wrong with a fantastic rookie season on the Charlotte Hornets that culminated in winning the 2021 Rookie of the Year Award. Last year's success has made the 20-year-old basketball player one of the league's brightest young stars.
Ball's life on the court is well documented. His personal life is kept under wraps. Not much is known about his love life, other than his father Lavar Ball reportedly told his sons to stay away from Instagram models.
So what did the youngest Ball brother do? Like any good son, he did the exact opposite. Melo has been linked to several social media stars since entering the NBA, including one who is nearly 12 years older than him.
LaMelo Ball's Dating History
Ashley Alvano
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHoBz-dsWDm/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNc5uLYLzbV/
Before he became an NBA star, Ball dated Ashley Alvano. Melo confirmed their relationship in an episode of "Ball in the Family" that centered around his 16th birthday. Alvano also grew up in the Chino Hills neighborhood and has 125,000 followers on Instagram.
The two stayed together even as Melo moved overseas to focus on basketball. He and his ex-girlfriend reportedly broke up in January 2019.
Ashlyn Castro
RELATED: LaVar Ball's Net Worth is Proof He's Not a Big Baller
Melo was linked to 29-year-old IG model Ashlyn Castro in early 2021. Castro hinted something was up between the two when a fan messaged her about Melo and she liked it. She later went back and said she accidentally liked the message and normally deletes comments about her friends.
Nothing official was ever confirmed by the two. They seem to be friends at the minimum. She's also been linked to actor Michael B. Jordan in the past.
Teanna Trump
Lamelo Ball Was Allegedly Spotted with Adult Film Star Teanna Trump#NBATwitter #NBA #AllFly https://t.co/mk2yMfWr8Z
— Vendetta Media (@VendettaVSM) April 5, 2021
The point guard was rumored to be dating 26-year-old adult film actress Teanna Trump in the spring of 2021. Melo and Trump, who uses the surname as a stage name, were spotted hanging around at a trampoline park. She was also seen at a Hornets game the same week.
However, Trump wasn't the only women Melo was rumored to be dating at the time.
Ana Montana
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUaJp-mgc4A/
The American basketball player was also spotted with 32-year-old Instagram model Ana Montana within weeks of being seen with Trump. Montana was seen attending Hornets games at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte with some of Ball's friends. It was later deduced a few of her posts were taken at Melo's apartment
The 12-year age difference has caused some backlash from the Internet. Many accused Montana of using the then 19-year-old for his growing net worth. She confirmed she's doing just fine by herself.
Y’all do know i have MY OWN money and take care of myself and family right ? Lol
— Analicia Chaves (@Ana_Montanaa) August 18, 2021
Ball reportedly gifted Montana No. 2 (his current number) and No. 1 (the number he grew up wearing and wants to wear) necklaces for her 32nd birthday in October 2021. Although the two haven't made their relationship official on social media, it's safe to assume Montana is Lamelo Ball's girlfriend.
For now, Melo has the 2021-22 NBA season to focus on. He won't be seeing Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving in the foreseeable future and Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons is doing everything he can to get out of Philly, taking out prime competition in the East. Out West, Stephen Curry is leading a rejuvenated Golden State Warriors and LeBron James and Russell Westbrook headline a seasoned Los Angeles Lakers team.
