LaMelo Ball says he doesn’t spend NBA salary money: ‘I’m smarter than that’

Despite signing a lucrative contract with the Charlotte Hornets, rookie LaMelo Ball indicated that he hasn’t spent any of the money from that deal.

Ball met with the media during the Hornets’ training camp and was asked about the diamond grill that he showed off on Instagram. He indicated (at the 2:35 mark) that none of the money from his Hornets contract was used to make the purchase.

“I don’t spend my NBA money,” Ball said. “I’m smarter than that.”

As the third overall selection in last month’s NBA draft, Ball will be paid by the Hornets just over $16 million over the next two seasons. The following two years are team options that would pay Ball just over $19.5 million over those two campaigns.

In addition to that contract, Ball also signed a lucrative show deal with Puma that’s set to pay him an estimated $100 million.

Dipping into that Puma contract allows Ball to presumably invest his NBA money wisely, That would help him avoid the fate of many athletes who have been paid huge salaries and still end up in financial trouble.

Prior to the draft, Ball was considered a possible top overall selection, a clear indication of his huge potential.

If he manages to live up to expectations, his subsequent contracts will allow for even more money both on and off the court. That sort of income will allow him to indulge in periodic purchases of expensive items.