Timberwolves Star LaMelo Ball Enlists Personal Driver After Past Driving Incidents

LaMelo Ball, known for his expansive car collection since achieving basketball stardom, has now opted to employ a personal driver. This decision, according to his older brother Lonzo Ball, will assist the Minnesota Timberwolves guard in navigating his new NBA home.

During a recent episode of the "Curious Mike" podcast, Lonzo Ball discussed his younger brother's spending habits with Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. When Porter inquired which of the Ball brothers spent the most money, Lonzo responded, "The one who has the most, LaMelo."

Lonzo elaborated on LaMelo's expenditures, noting, "[He's] got 10 cars." The addition of a driver is expected to reduce the 25-year-old's time behind the wheel, potentially minimizing the likelihood of future road incidents.

Lonzo also suggested that LaMelo might benefit from choosing vehicles outside of the exotic, high-performance category, unlike the Lamborghinis and similar models he has previously owned. Lonzo expressed frustration with his brother's approach to vehicle ownership, stating,

"He'll buy a $1 million car and then just immediately f–k it up, I've never understood [that]. You just bought that? And then you ripped it up? You could've just got a beater."

Addressing Road Incidents and Career Moves

Addressing public perception regarding the frequency of LaMelo’s past road incidents, Lonzo clarified that his younger brother "doesn’t get into accidents, but he has a lot of situations on the road."

LaMelo, a two-time All-Star guard, was initially selected by the Charlotte Hornets as the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. In June, he was traded from the Hornets to the Minnesota Timberwolves, alongside teammate Josh Green, in exchange for Naz Reid and multiple draft selections.

Lonzo Ball's Own NBA Journey and Health

Lonzo Ball's own NBA career began when he was chosen by the Los Angeles Lakers as the second overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. He subsequently played for the New Orleans Pelicans and the Chicago Bulls. His career trajectory included joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2025, followed by a trade to the Utah Jazz in February 2026. However, the Jazz later waived him before he had the opportunity to play in a game for the team.

Lonzo's time in the league has been significantly impacted by injuries. After participating in 35 games during the 2021-22 season, he spent more than two calendar years sidelined due to these health setbacks.

Reflecting on the extensive period of his absence, Ball remarked, "It was like a 1,000 and something days." He also shared that he has come to terms with the possibility that he may not be able to return to the elite athletic level he once achieved. Ball told Porter, "I came at peace with that when I got hurt the first time. Every time you get hurt it kind of sets you back."