LaMelo Ball's new back tattoo gives nod to his 'rare' abilities

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Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball unveiled a new back tattoo on Tuesday.

The 2021 Rookie of the Year's ink included the words "RARE ONE," with "RARE" outlined in red and black and "ONE" outlined in white.

The tattoos also featured an alien with the number one on its forehead.

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The youngest Ball brother is no stranger to tattoos.

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Back in Nov. 2023, Ball was required by the NBA to cover one of the tattoos on his left ear, the initials "LF." The tattoo represents Ball's middle name and clothing brand. The NBA cited that the tattoo violated its rules about "having commercial logos on players' bodies." On Jan. 12, after Ball came back from his ankle injury, the NBA reversed its decision.

Ball started the 2023-24 campaign hot, averaging 27.3 points, 8 assists and 5.3 rebounds in November, but suffered a right ankle strain against the Orlando Magic on Nov. 26.

He attempted to come back in January, but only played in seven games before getting shut down for the rest of the season. Ball has only appeared in 58 games over the past two seasons due to various injuries.