LaMelo Ball and his Minnesota Timberwolves debut has sparked controversy after NBA referees confirmed that his bizarre four-step move against the Miami Heat should have been called a travel.
The play occurred during the second quarter of Wednesday night’s matchup, when Ball appeared to take several extra steps before knocking down a 3-pointer.
Despite the obvious violation, officials allowed the basket to stand, prompting plenty of reactions across social media.
The National Basketball Referees Association later addressed the missed call on X, confirming that Ball had traveled.
“For everyone asking, ‘how is this legal?’ It’s not!” the referees’ union wrote. “He gathers with his right foot on the floor and would be permitted two steps by rule (left-right). He takes four steps after gathering the ball and travels.”
The basket broke a 39-39 tie and briefly gave Minnesota the lead, although the missed call ultimately had little impact on the final result.
The Timberwolves went on to secure a convincing 131-106 victory over Miami, with Ball finishing his first game for the franchise with 21 points.
However, one of the funniest reactions to the controversial play came from Ball’s own brother, Lonzo Ball.
The seven-year NBA veteran wasted little time calling out his younger sibling, posting a short message on social media.
“Travel lmaoooo,” Lonzo wrote on X.
LaMelo was later informed of his brother’s reaction during a postgame interview with ESPN, but he wasn’t particularly interested in admitting he had done anything wrong.
“He hatin’. He hatin’,” LaMelo said. “See, I gotta give him a call right now, cause with the family, he knows what you’re supposed to do. Even if I’m wrong, I’m right. That’s how it goes.”
While LaMelo maintained his innocence, the referees’ explanation left little room for debate.
Under NBA rules, players are permitted two steps after gathering the basketball, meaning Ball’s four-step sequence should have resulted in a turnover rather than three points.
Fortunately for Minnesota, the controversial basket wasn’t needed to secure the victory.
But the missed call has already become one of the biggest talking points from Ball’s first appearance in a Timberwolves uniform.
READ MORE: 76ers Spoil Knicks’ Championship Night in LeBron James’ Debut