RARE MOVE
Hornets star LaMelo Ball gets huge new back tattoo as NBA fans spot replica ink and say ‘he’s gotten it five times’
The NBA forced Ball to cover up one of his tattoos earlier this season
CHARLOTTE Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has unveiled an insane new back tattoo which has left fans in shock and awe.
The NBA star had the epic ink work done by California-based tattoo artist Herchell Carrasco.
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The tattoo says 'Rare One' in giant letters with an alien head underneath.
Carrasco revealed on Instagram that the work took "many hours" to complete.
"Hardest back piece in the game?" Carrasco asked.
The red and black ink work also says '1 of 1' at the bottom of Ball's back.
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Meanwhile, the backs of Ball's arms are also covered in tattoos, with crosses on his elbows.
"Tattooing LaMelo has opened so many doors and opportunities, from having my work seen on NBA2k to GQ," Carrasco added.
"I’m forever grateful."
Many fans reacted in amazement to Ball's latest artwork.
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"Sheesh! Hardest back piece period!" one said.
"Finally a basketball player that actually has a good tattoo artist do their work," another said.
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Others commented on the number of times Ball has had the word "Rare" tattooed on his body.
"He’s gotten rare tatted on his body 5 times - get it bro you’re rare," one noted.
Ball has a number of other tattoos on his chest, arms, hands and neck.
He even has had the artwork replicated in his epic car collection.
In November, the NBA forced Ball to cover up one of his tattoos for a period of time.
The 22-year-old All-Star guard had the initials "LF" tattooed on his back in September.
It represents his middle name LaFrance, which is also the name of the lifestyle fashion brand he launched in 2020.
The NBA said it violated league rules about "having commercial logos on players' bodies."
But the league reversed its decision in January.
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Ball had limited time on the court for the Hornets last season after suffering two serious injuries.
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