LaMelo Ball is not just a superstar on the basketball court. He is also a walking art gallery. If you have watched a Charlotte Hornets game recently, you probably noticed his skin is covered in detailed ink. Each lamelo ball tattoo tells a story about his life, his family, and his “not from here” mindset.
I remember when I first saw his massive back piece on social media. It wasn’t just a simple design; it looked like a masterpiece. Many fans wonder why he chooses such bold art. For LaMelo, these aren’t just decorations. They are symbols of his journey from a young kid in Chino Hills to an NBA All-Star. In this article, we will break down every major lamelo ball tattoo, what they mean, and who the talented artists are behind the needles.
LaMelo Ball Tattoo Details: A Quick Look
| Tattoo Location | Primary Design/Text | Key Meaning | Artist |
| Back | “Rare One” & Alien | His unique personality | Herchell Carrasco & Team |
| Chest | Wings and Number 1 | Flight and his jersey number | Herchell Carrasco |
| Neck | “LF” Logo & UFO | LaFrancé Brand & Alien vibe | Herchell Carrasco |
| Right Arm | “Be” | Part of “Be You” mantra | Herchell Carrasco |
| Left Arm | “You” | Part of “Be You” mantra | Herchell Carrasco |
| Wrist | “1-1-1” & Flames | Favorite number and Leo sign | Herchell Carrasco |
| Leg | Full Leg Sleeve | Ongoing personal journey | Elvis Ramos |
The Massive “Rare One” Back Piece
The most famous lamelo ball tattoo is definitely the one on his back. This project was huge! It took a team of six artists and over 18 hours to finish. The words “Rare One” are written in bold letters. This matches his lifestyle perfectly. LaMelo has always done things differently, like playing pro ball overseas instead of going to college. The back piece also features an alien and a UFO, showing he feels “not from here.”
The Meaning of the “God’s Soldier” Ink
LaMelo recently added “God’s Soldier” to his collection. This lamelo ball tattoo shows his spiritual side. Even with all the fame and money, he stays grounded in his faith. The ink is done in a striking red color that pops against his other black and gray tattoos. It serves as a reminder to keep fighting through injuries and tough games on the court.
Why Does LaMelo Have a UFO Tattoo?
You will see UFOs and aliens in more than one lamelo ball tattoo. He uses these to represent his “1 of 1” nature. He often says he is “not from here” because his skills and style are so unique. On his left hand, a UFO beams down light onto the number 1. This is a nod to his jersey number and his belief that he was chosen for greatness.
The “Be You” Mantra on His Arms
One of the most inspiring pieces of art is the lamelo ball tattoo spread across both arms. On his right arm, it says “Be,” and on his left, it says “You.” This is a simple but powerful message. In a world where everyone tries to fit in, Melo wants to remind himself and his fans to stay authentic. It is a lesson he learned from his father, LaVar Ball, who always encouraged his sons to be themselves.
His Famous Neck Tattoos and NBA Rules
For a while, a specific lamelo ball tattoo on his neck caused some drama. He has the “LF” logo, which stands for his fashion brand, LaFrancé. The NBA has rules against displaying commercial logos on the body. For a few games, Melo had to cover it with a bandage. Eventually, the league and Melo reached an understanding, and now he shows it off proudly during every jump ball.
The “1-1-1” Wrist Tattoo and Pizza Luck
Some tattoos are deep, and some are just fun. LaMelo has “1-1-1” on his wrist. While it represents his favorite number, he also joked in an interview that he always sees 1:11 on the microwave when he is heating up leftover pizza! This lamelo ball tattoo shows his playful side. It reminds us that even though he is a millionaire athlete, he is still a young guy who enjoys the little things.
Chest Wings and the Number 1
Before he was fully covered, one of his first big pieces was the lamelo ball tattoo on his chest. It features large, detailed wings spreading across his pectorals with the number 1 in the middle. This symbolizes his “flight” to the top of the basketball world. The wings are a common theme for elite athletes, representing the desire to soar above the competition.
The Full Leg Sleeve Evolution
In late 2025 and early 2026, LaMelo started working on a massive leg sleeve. This lamelo ball tattoo is being handled by artist Elvis Ramos. While the full meaning hasn’t been shared yet, it follows his theme of celestial and spiritual art. Fans caught a glimpse of it during off-season workouts, and it looks like it will eventually connect with his other pieces to create a full-body suit of art.
Who is LaMelo Ball’s Tattoo Artist?
Most of the work for any lamelo ball tattoo is done by Herchell Carrasco, also known as “RockRollG.” Based in California, Herchell has worked with many celebrities. Melo trusts him because he understands the “out of this world” aesthetic Melo loves. For the bigger pieces, Herchell brings in a whole team to ensure every line is perfect and the shading is consistent.
How Much Does a LaMelo Ball Tattoo Cost?
Getting inked like an NBA star isn’t cheap. Reports suggest that just the back piece alone cost around $20,000! When you add up every lamelo ball tattoo on his chest, arms, neck, and legs, the total value of his body art likely exceeds $50,000. He pays for quality because these designs will stay with him forever as he moves through his career.
Conclusion
Every lamelo ball tattoo is a chapter in his life story. Whether it is a tribute to his brand, his faith, or his “alien” talent, the ink is a big part of who he is. As he continues to dominate the NBA, we can expect to see even more art added to his canvas. He truly is a “Rare One” in every sense of the word.
Which of his tattoos is your favorite? Do you think the NBA was too strict about his neck logo? Let us know your thoughts!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was LaMelo Ball’s first tattoo?
His first major pieces were the wings and the number 1 on his chest, which he got while he was still a teenager rising through the basketball ranks.
2. Does LaMelo Ball have any tattoos on his face?
As of 2026, he does not have any face tattoos. He has stayed mostly on his neck, chest, back, arms, and legs.
3. Why does he use the “Rare One” slogan?
“Rare One” is LaMelo’s personal mantra. It signifies that he is a unique talent and a person who doesn’t follow the traditional path.
4. Did LaMelo Ball use numbing cream for his 18-hour tattoo?
Surprisingly, no! His artist confirmed that for the massive “Rare One” back piece, Melo sat through the sessions without using any numbing cream.
5. Who are the artists behind his tattoos?
His primary artist is Herchell Carrasco. For his back piece, a team including Jorge Garibay, Niz Carillo, and Elvis Ramos also helped.
6. What does the “LF” on his neck stand for?
The “LF” stands for LaFrancé, which is LaMelo Ball’s official designer lifestyle and clothing brand.
