Charlotte, February 19, 2026
Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball was involved in a two-car collision in downtown Charlotte. The incident occurred when Ball’s custom Hummer EV collided with a gray Kia sedan, leading to minor injuries for the other driver. Fortunately, Ball emerged uninjured, but his vehicle was significantly damaged. Following the crash, Ball was seen leaving the scene in a different vehicle. A police report has yet to be made available as the investigation continues.
Charlotte
Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball was involved in a two-car collision in downtown Charlotte on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, shortly before 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, emerging from the incident without injury. However, one individual from the other vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The crash occurred near the intersection of Trade Street and North Tryon Street.
The incident involved Ball’s camouflage-colored, custom-made Hummer EV Edition 1 and a gray Kia sedan. Witnesses reported that Ball was traveling westbound on Trade Street and attempted a left turn onto the one-way Tryon Street when the Kia, which was proceeding eastbound on Trade Street, collided with his vehicle. Video footage captured the collision at a busy intersection with multiple traffic lights.
Following the impact, Ball’s Hummer displayed significant damage to its driver’s side, including a missing front wheel. The gray Kia sedan also sustained damage. After the crash, Ball was observed exiting his Hummer and departing the scene in another vehicle, reportedly a Lamborghini. Police were present at the scene of the accident. Both vehicles involved were subsequently towed from the location.
As of Thursday, February 19, 2026, a police report regarding the crash has not been made publicly available. It remains unknown if any citations will be issued in connection with the incident. Medical personnel reported that the injuries sustained by the other driver were minor. No details have been released concerning the identity of the person in the other car, though video showed that driver calmly exiting their vehicle and walking toward Ball’s Hummer.
Team Schedule and Recent Performance
The Charlotte Hornets had conducted a practice session earlier on the day of the crash. The team is scheduled to play host to the Houston Rockets on Thursday night, February 19, 2026, as the NBA season resumes following the All-Star break. The Hornets have been performing well recently, securing 10 victories in their last 11 games.
LaMelo Ball’s Background
LaMelo Ball, a prominent point guard for the Charlotte Hornets, was drafted in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft. Throughout his career, he has consistently been one of the team’s highest-scoring players and was selected for the NBA All-Star Game during the 2021-2022 season. This season, Ball is currently ranked second in scoring for the Hornets.
This recent incident marks another instance of Ball being involved in a motor vehicle-related event in Charlotte. In 2024, a lawsuit was filed by a woman who alleged that Ball’s vehicle struck her son near the Spectrum Center in October 2023. That particular case is reportedly still ongoing as of February 2026, with no criminal charges having been filed. The city of Charlotte has previously seen other professional athletes involved in car accidents, including former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in 2014 and current Panthers backup quarterback Andy Dalton in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was involved in the two-car crash in downtown Charlotte?
Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball and another individual driving a gray Kia sedan were involved in the two-car crash in downtown Charlotte.
When did the car crash involving LaMelo Ball occur?
The car crash involving LaMelo Ball occurred on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, shortly before 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Where did the car crash take place?
The car crash took place in downtown Charlotte, near the intersection of Trade Street and North Tryon Street.
Were there any injuries reported from the crash?
LaMelo Ball was not injured in the crash, but one individual from the other vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
What vehicles were involved in the collision?
The collision involved LaMelo Ball’s camouflage-colored, custom-made Hummer EV Edition 1 and a gray Kia sedan.
Has a police report been made available or have citations been issued?
As of Thursday, February 19, 2026, a police report has not been made publicly available, and it is unknown if any citations will be issued.
What is the Charlotte Hornets’ upcoming schedule?
The Charlotte Hornets are scheduled to host the Houston Rockets on Thursday night, February 19, 2026, as teams return from the All-Star break.
Key Details of the LaMelo Ball Car Crash
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
| Time of Incident | Shortly before 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time |
| Location | Downtown Charlotte, near Trade Street and North Tryon Street |
| Involved Parties | LaMelo Ball and a driver of a gray Kia sedan |
| LaMelo Ball’s Injury Status | Not injured |
| Other Driver’s Injury Status | Non-life-threatening injuries |
| Vehicles Involved | LaMelo Ball’s custom Hummer EV Edition 1 and a gray Kia sedan |
| Police Report Status | Not immediately available |
| Citations Issued | Unknown as of February 19, 2026 |
| Team Status | Hornets practice held earlier; scheduled to play Houston Rockets on Thursday night |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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