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- Our Pick: 2020 Prizm RC (Shop eBay)
- Budget Pick: 2020 Donruss RC (Shop eBay)
- Upgrade Pick: 2020 Contenders RC (Shop eBay)
LaMelo Ball did not disappoint in his 1st season and was an absolute beast at only 19 years of age. LaMelo rookie season stat line made headlines as ESPN (and others) compared it with Luka Doncic and LeBron James.
Hence, it is no wonder he won the rookie of the year award despite missing a few games due to an injury. As such, his rookie cards are now considered one of the hottest investments in the hobby.
LaMelo was the real deal averaging 15.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds en route to taking home the 2020-21 NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
LaMelo appears to be the Big Baller that LaVar, and later scouts, projected him to be and has no problem living up to those high extractions as it seems his older brother has.
Even as one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, the youngest Ball has exceeded expectations. Living up to his last name, LaMelo’s been vital in turning around the long-woebegone Hornets franchise.
The new Melo’s performance isn’t limited to the court—he’s also hot on the trading card market. He is the coveted rookie card likeness of 2020 and 2021, and a recent slate of LaMelo Ball RC releases proves valuable.
Without further ado, here are the top-rated LaMelo Ball RCs worth considering as an investment option.
2020 LaMelo Ball Panini Prizm RC #278
The 2020 Prizm Basketball card has finally been released after months of collectors drooling all over themselves, waiting to get their hands on the LaMelo Ball Prizm rookie card.
Not only is this the best LaMelo Ball rookie card released currently, but it will likely hold up to any challengers as Prizm basketball rookie cards are a significant investment.
If you want to get wild, purchase one of the LaMelo Ball Prizm Parallels and thank us in 5 years when they are worth a small fortune.
2020-21 LaMelo Ball Prizm Parallels RC #278
Silver, Blue Wave, Gold Wave, Green, Green Ice, Hyper, Orange Ice, Pink Ice, Purple Wave, Red Ice, Red/White/Blue, Ruby Wave, Red /299, Blue /199, Purple Ice /175, Blue Ice /125, Purple /99, Orange Wave /60, Orange /49, Pink Pulsar /42, Blue Shimmer /35, Purple Pulsar /35, Green Pulsar /25, Mojo /25, Gold /10, Gold Shimmer /10, Lucky Envelopes /8, Black Gold /5, Green Shimmer #/5, Black 1/1, Black Shimmer 1/1
2020 LaMelo Ball Panini Instant Black RC #29
One of the rarest LaMelo Ball rookie cards in the hobby. Good luck. And if you do find it up on auction be prepared to pay through the nose.
2020 Panini NBA Hoops LaMelo Ball RC #223
No current NBA rookie card offers the potential for appreciation like LaMelo Ball’s set. Especially in light of the resurgence in physical card collection and trading, the 2020 Panini NBA Hoops LaMelo Ball RC #223 is an investment vehicle worth considering.
The card image is a trademark-cool LaMelo ready to dish a pass to…let’s be honest; it’s a photo shoot, and there’s nobody to the dish, too (if there is, it’s probably the team manager). The lack of an in-game shot on this card reflects one of those outstanding rookie card qualities—he’s so fresh in the league that in-game images are few and far between.
True to the NBA Hoops’ trademark simplicity, this card is far from flashy. Though parallels like Purple Foil and Teal Explosion add a bit of flair, the base model is straightforward. A teal and white border frame LaMelo front and center with a low-key nameplate completing the bottom border.
As the first rookie card featuring LaMelo in his Hornets uni, the Panini NBA Hoops RC #223 seems like a sound investment.
Parallels: Blue, Hyper Blue, Neon Green, Purple, Purple Explosion, Purple Winter, Red Backs, Teal Explosion, Winter, Yellow, Silver #/199, Green #/99, Hyper Red #/99, Green Explosion #/89, Red #/75, Teal #/70, Blue Explosion #/59, Artist Proof #/25, Hyper Green #/25, Orange #/25, Orange Explosion #/25, Red Explosion #/15, Artist Proof Gold #/10, Hyper Gold #/10, Artist Proof Black 1/1.
2020 LaMelo Ball Donruss Rated Rookie RC #202
Donruss’ 2020 LaMelo Ball RC #202 is one you can get your hands on at a reasonable price.
Released on March 3rd, 2021, the PSA-certified card version will take some time to emerge. However, versions that look in good condition are readily available on eBay.
The card presents LaMelo, ball clutched at his waist, in what appears to be a pre-shot moment. Ball dons the purple Hornets Swingman jersey with a look of focus in his eyes.
Like the card’s overall design, the image of Ball is composed. His likeness is framed by the Hornets’ purple, white, and teal color schemes. Those seeking an affordable LaMelo Ball RC might take a shot on a Donruss Rated Rookie RC #202.
Parallels: Green Flood, Green Laser, Green & Yellow Laser, Light Blue Laser, Orange Laser, Red & Gold Laser, Yellow Flood, Press Proof Silver /349, Press Proof Purple /199, Purple Laser /99, Red Laser /99, Blue Laser /49, Yellow Laser /25, Red & Blue Laser /15, Gold Laser /10, Black Laser 1/1.
Choice Parallels: Base, Red /99, Blue /49, Gold /10, Black Gold /8, Black 1/1
2020 LaMelo Ball NBA Hoops Arriving Now RC #15
The 2020-21 LaMelo Ball NBA Hoops Arriving Now RC #15 is an insert. The Arriving Now set is a designation awarded to only 25 of the top-performing rookies in this NBA season. Of course, LaMelo Ball tops that list of outstanding performers.
The set was released on February 3, 2021. The card comes in Holo, Winter, and Winter Holo versions. Featuring the same image as the NBA Hoops base card, the Arriving Now version swaps the low-key background for a vibrant—and sometimes holographic—backdrop.
A train tunnel-like design frames the image of Ball while a barcode, square airplane icon, and stylized nameplate are also present. Base and parallel Arriving Now cards are available on eBay. Prices are among the lower-tier offerings for LaMelo Ball RCs, making them an accessible option for all traders and collectors.
Parallels: Winter, Winter Holo, Holo.
2020 LaMelo Ball Panini Certified Freshman Fabric RC #38
Available only as a redemption card, the 2020 LaMelo Ball Certified Freshman Fabric RC #38 hit the market on February 21, 2021. These are among the more difficult LaMelo RCs to come by.
“The rarity of the Certified Freshman Fabric RCs and the desirability of patch-signature cards makes this card a steady investment. Even if the entry price point is high, you can expect a steady rise in value over time.”
We can glean the general design of the card from other RCs in the class. Oriented horizontally, the player likeness occupies about one-third of the card’s width. A rectangular player patch spans left-to-center, with the player’s signature scrawled in blue ink on a reflective plate beneath the patch.
Parallels: Gold, Green, Red (Cardboard Connection)
2020 Lamelo Ball Crown Royal Kaboom RC #23
One of the better-looking rookie cards we have seen this year and super pricey at high grades.
Education: How to get your cards graded at PSA
Checklist
- 2020 Prizm DP Auto RC #PALB
- 2020 Panini Prizm RC #278
- 2020 Prizm Draft Picks Wave Prizm RC #98
- 2020 Downtown RC #DP
- 2020 National Treasures RC
- 2020 Contenders Draft Picks Prospect Ticket Auto RC #54
- 2020 Silver Prizm RC #3
- 2020 Flawless Collegiate RPA RC #114
- 2020 Prizm Draft Picks Red White Blue RC #3
- 2020 National Treasures Lamelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, Okongwu, Deni Avdija RC #QD-DB
- 2020 National Treasures Collegiate LaMelo Ball/RJ Hampton Dual Auto /10 #DS-LB
- 2020 Prizm DP Choice Blue Yellow Green RC #3
- 2020 Panini Immaculate LaMelo Ball/Lonzo Ball Auto /10 RC #IDA-LL
- 2020 National Treasures LaMelo Ball/James Wiseman Dual Jersey Relic /25 #DM-LB
- 2020 Contenders Draft Picks 2020 Draft Class RC #SS-4
- 2020 Certified Graffiti RC #28
LaMelo Ball Rookie Card Values
The most expensive LaMelo Ball rookie card sold to date is the 2020 Panini Flawless Platinum RPA RC #84, 2020 Emerald National Treasures RC, and the 2020 Prizm DP Autograph RC, all of which should have an easy double-digit return between now and the end of the 2020-21 NBA season.
If you would like an estimated value of your LaMelo Ball card, please email us at value@goldcardauctions.com and include at least two photos.
Buyers Rating and Investment Outlook
If you’re looking for a tangible asset to invest your hard-earned bucks, you could do far worse than a LaMelo Ball rookie card. As the young superstar’s stock rises, so will the value of your RC. That’s the idea, at least.
Investment Rating: Strong Long-Term Buy (4.233 out of 5)
Ownership Disclosure: None
Best Rookie Card: 2020 LaMelo Ball Panini Prizm RC #278
We’ve presented a few options of varying price points, visual styles, and rarities. Take your pick. With LaMelo’s professional outlook on a vertical upward trajectory, can you go wrong?
How much is a Lonzo ball rookie card worth?
The 2017-18 National Treasures Lonzo Ball rookie card is worth $3,500 and the 2017-18 Optic Fast Break Black 1/1 Lonzo Ball rookie card sold for $1,080.
How much is LaMelo ball card worth?
A LaMelo Ball card can be worth a few hundred thousand such as the 2020-21 National Treasures LaMelo Ball RPA card which sold for $140k or a few hundred. Email value@goldcardauctions.com to obtain a free estimated value of a LaMelo Ball card.
How much is a LaMelo ball rookie card worth NBA hoops?
A LaMelo Ball NBA Hoops rookie card is worth $200 at a PSA 10 grade while a non-graded card goes for around $5.
How much is a Kyle Kuzma rookie card worth?
The most popular Kyle Kuzma rookie card is his 2017 Prizm rookie card which is worth $40 to $60 at a PSA 10 grade.