Proud brother Lonzo Ball praises LaMelo Ball's superstardom in reunion

Lonzo and LaMelo Ball faced each other for the first time in over three years during Friday's game, with LaMelo's Charlotte Hornets edging Lonzo's Chicago Bulls 125-123. The matchup marked a significant moment for the brothers, who grew up in Chino Hills, California, aspiring to reach the NBA.

LaMelo led the Hornets with 26 points and nine rebounds, while Lonzo contributed six points, three assists and three steals. Lonzo is making a comeback after nearly three years of injuries, while LaMelo is enjoying a standout season. Their brother LiAngelo was also in attendance.

In an interview with The Athletic's Darnell Mayberry after the Hornets' win over the Bulls at United Center in Chicago, Lonzo talked about LaMelo's success from the perspective of an older brother.

"A little surreal just seeing how far he’s come," Lonzo said. "Being a big brother and looking over him his whole life, to see that he's got to the highest stage, and now he's leading the league in All-Star votes on the East, he's doing his thing, averaging almost 30.

"It’s definitely a blessing to see him go out there and do the things that I know that he can do on a nightly basis."

The Ball brothers are not the only siblings in the NBA, but their journeys coming into Friday night's matchup have been heavily followed by fans.

After his matchup with Lonzo, can LaMelo Ball boost the Hornets into the postseason?

After the two-point win on Friday night, the Charlotte Hornets are 13th in the Eastern Conference, while the Bulls hold the 10th and final play-in spot. LaMelo Ball's play has led the Hornets this season, averaging a career-high 29.5 points per game, but the team has battled with injuries. Only Josh Green has played more than 30 of the team's 38 games so far this season.

The Hornets need Ball and the rest of the roster to continue to string together games if they want to find their way back into the play-in picture.