NBA analyst credits LiAngelo Ball's "burgeoning" music career for LaMelo Ball's imminent 2nd All-Star appearance 

Charlotte Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball continues to thrive in NBA All-Star fan voting, putting him in prime position to earn his second All-Star selection. However, according to FanDuel TV's Michelle Beadle, Ball's success has more to do with his brother, LiAngelo Ball's, "burgeoning" music career than his on-court production.

LaMelo leads all Eastern Conference guards with 1,490,227 votes in the league's second All-Star fan voting returns. Fan voting comprises 50% of the vote, with players and a media panel accounting for 25% each. Nevertheless, the 2020 No. 3 draft pick is in pole position to secure All-Star honors for the first time since 2022.

Through 25 outings, LaMelo is enjoying his most prolific statistical season. He is averaging a career-high 29.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 4.5 3-pointers per game.

However, his output has come on a league-leading 38.3% usage rate and subpar shooting efficiency (42.0% and 33.9% from 3). Meanwhile, the Hornets (8-28) have the NBA's fourth-worst record.

Thus, some have questioned how LaMelo has more votes than the East's premier teams' top guards, including Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell and Damian Lillard.

On Monday's episode of FanDuel TV's "Run It Back," Beadle attempted to rationalize LaMelo being more popular than Brunson. She attributed his popularity to the timing of his brother's musical success.

"I think Lou (Williams) was onto it on Friday that LaMelo Ball's brother's burgeoning music career has somehow boosted the votes," Beadle said. "'Cause it does feel a little like, 'How is New York alone not getting these votes up?'"

LiAngelo has been the talk of the NBA world this month due to his unexpected hit song "Tweaker," released on Jan. 3.

Following the track's virality, ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Monday that LiAngelo signed with Def Jam and Universal Music Group. His deal is reportedly "worth as much as $13 million, with $8 million guaranteed, and gives (him) full ownership of music and his own record label."

However, it's unclear whether LiAngelo has directly influenced his brother's All-Star voting appeal or if LaMelo's creative offensive playstyle is resonating with fans.

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Lou Williams calls on New Yorkers to support Jalen Brunson in NBA All-Star fan voting so he can pass LaMelo Ball

During Monday's discussion about LaMelo Ball's All-Star prospects, Michelle Beadle asked her co-host, Lou Williams, to "shame" New Yorkers for not supporting Jalen Brunson enough.

Brunson ranks fourth among East guards in All-Star fan voting with 934,960 votes despite the Knicks (26-14) boasting a far better record than the Hornets.

"New York, y'all gotta show up and show out, man," Williams said. "Y'all can't be one of the best teams in the league and have your guy sitting in fourth with the season that he's having. Get out and vote, New York."

While Brunson appears unlikely to surpass LaMelo in fan voting, he should gain ground in the player and media voting, where winning is typically heavily factored. Regardless, Brunson is seemingly a virtual lock to secure one of the East's 12 All-Star spots, even if in a reserve role.

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