Charlotte, February 19, 2026
Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball was involved in a two-car collision in downtown Charlotte, though he emerged uninjured. The incident took place near Trade Street and North Tryon Street shortly before 5 p.m., with a passenger in the other vehicle sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. Dashcam footage showed Ball’s Hummer colliding with a Kia sedan. Emergency services responded rapidly, and while police were present, no citations have been issued as of yet.
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., though he emerged from the incident uninjured. The crash occurred near the intersection of Trade Street and North Tryon Street as teams across the league prepare to return to regular season play following the NBA All-Star Break. One individual in the other vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Collision Details and Immediate Aftermath
Reports indicate that LaMelo Ball was driving a distinct camouflage-colored, custom-made Hummer at the time of the accident. Dashcam footage obtained by a local TV station showed Ball’s vehicle traveling west on Trade Street and attempting an unprotected left turn onto the one-way Tryon Street. During this maneuver, his Hummer collided with a Kia sedan that was traveling eastbound on Trade Street. The impact reportedly caused the left front tire of Ball’s Hummer to be missing.
Emergency services responded to the scene, and police were present shortly after the incident. Video circulating online showed Ball, clad in an aqua-colored Hornets hoodie, exiting his damaged vehicle and then being driven away in another car. The driver of the Kia sedan was observed calmly getting out of their car and walking towards Ball’s truck. Both vehicles involved in the collision required towing from the scene due to damage. While a police report was not immediately made available, authorities have not yet confirmed if any citations will be issued in connection with the crash.
Team Status and Season Context
The accident occurred on Wednesday, February 18, a day when the Charlotte Hornets held practice earlier. The team is scheduled to host the Houston Rockets on Thursday night, marking their first game back as teams resume play following the NBA All-Star Break, which concluded on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The Hornets have been performing strongly, having secured 10 victories in their last 11 games.
LaMelo Ball has been a significant player for the Hornets since being drafted in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft and was selected for the NBA All-Star Game during the 2021-2022 season. This season, he ranks second on the team in scoring, averaging 19.3 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds, contributing to the team’s ongoing playoff push. This season marks his lowest minutes per game average in his career.
Previous Incidents and Local Precedent
This is not the first vehicle-related incident involving LaMelo Ball. In a separate, ongoing legal matter, a 2024 lawsuit alleges that Ball’s car struck a woman’s son near the Spectrum Center in October 2023. No criminal charges were filed in that case, and it remains unresolved as of February 2026.
Charlotte has seen several professional athletes involved in car accidents over the years. Notably, former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton fractured his back in a 2014 crash less than a mile from the location of Ball’s recent incident. More recently, in 2024, Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton sustained a thumb injury in a two-car accident also in Charlotte.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When did LaMelo Ball’s car crash occur?
A: LaMelo Ball’s car crash occurred on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, shortly before 5 p.m.
Q: Where did the car crash involving LaMelo Ball take place?
A: The car crash involving LaMelo Ball took place in downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, near the intersection of Trade Street and North Tryon Street.
Q: Was LaMelo Ball injured in the accident?
A: No, LaMelo Ball was not injured in the accident.
Q: Were there other injuries reported in the crash?
A: Yes, one person in the other vehicle involved in the collision suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Q: What kind of vehicles were involved in the collision?
A: LaMelo Ball was driving a camouflage-colored, custom-made Hummer, and the other vehicle involved was a Kia sedan.
Q: What was the specific movement that led to the crash?
A: Dashcam footage indicates LaMelo Ball was traveling west on Trade Street and attempted an unprotected left turn onto the one-way Tryon Street, colliding with an eastbound Kia sedan.
Key Features of the LaMelo Ball Car Crash Incident (City-level)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 |
| Time of Incident | Shortly before 5 p.m. |
| Location | Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina, near Trade Street and North Tryon Street |
| Involved Individual | LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets point guard |
| Ball’s Vehicle | Camouflage-colored, custom-made Hummer |
| Other Vehicle | Kia sedan |
| Injuries to LaMelo Ball | None reported |
| Other Injuries | One person in the Kia sedan suffered non-life-threatening injuries |
| Police Report Status | Not immediately available |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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