During an Opening Night victory for the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Miami Heat, there was one play from LaMelo Ball fans may remember for a bit.
The 25-year-old guard, who was acquired from the Charlotte Hornets during the offseason, took a 3-pointer off the dribble during the second quarter against the Heat. Announcers called it a "side step" and the officials did not blow the whistle, so the basket was officially ruled clean.
But take a look for yourself and you will see that it wasn't exactly the purest basketball play you have seen before:
After the game, LaMelo told reporters that he "let the ball guide" and he wasn't actually touching it.
He argued that if the ball is guiding and you aren't touching it, you can take as many steps as you want.
For everyone asking, “how is this legal?” It’s not! 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. https://t.co/dSitGeRNSD
— NBA Referees (@OfficialNBARefs) October 22, 2026
That on-court argument wouldn't hold up in the court of basketball litigation, though.
The official social media account for the NBA's referees posted that LaMelo took four steps (twice as many as he is permitted) after he gathers, which means the call from the in-game officials was incorrect.
Travel lmaoooo
— Lonzo Ball (@ZO2_) October 22, 2026
Even his older brother, Lonzo, agreed that LaMelo traveled on this offensive possession despite the no-call.
LaMelo said that the former No. 2 overall pick was "hating" and that he was about to call him, joking that's not how he should talk about his own family.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: NBA refs, Lonzo Ball admit LaMelo got away with egregious travel call
