The Electric Behemoth
The GMCHummer EV may be infamous for its inefficiency due to its sheer size and weight, but it’s hardly delicate. So when LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets crashed his Hummer EV pickup at the intersection of Trade and Tryon streets in Charlotte – resulting in significant damage – it raised eyebrows about the truck’s toughness.
According to WSOCTV9, the Hummer EV was attempting to make a left turn at the intersection when it collided with a Kia K5, formerly known as the Optima. The K5 sustained significant damage, while the Hummer EV lost its front-left wheel before coming to a stop on the side of the road. Ball was seen exiting from the driver’s side and later leaving the scene in a Lamborghini Urus. Meanwhile, the K5’s driver was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, per reports.
The Weight of the Situation
Without a proper teardown inspection, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact reason the wheel detached. However, it’s worth noting that aftermarket wheels can be more vulnerable than factory units – especially on a vehicle like the Hummer EV, which weighs around 9,000 pounds, roughly twice the weight of a Toyota Highlander. Any mismatch in load ratings or fitment can amplify stress and potentially lead to more severe damage in a crash.
The build was completed by Dreamworks Motorsports and was inspired by Ball’s exclusive Puma sneakers, the “Puma LaMelo Ball MB.01.” The Hummer EV rides on a set of 24×12 DW Forged one-off wheels featuring custom beadlocks and floating center caps. It’s also fitted with a lift kit, which increases ground clearance and gives the already imposing electric pickup an even more commanding stance.
Back on the Court
In his first game since the crash, Ball scored 11 points in a 105–101 loss to the Houston Rockets. During a press conference, he said, “Fortunately, everybody is cool, so blessings. God is great.”
This custom GMC Hummer EV isn’t his only one-off ride. Ball also owns customized versions of the Tesla Cybertruck, a Rolls-Royce Ghost with a pink interior, and a neon Lamborghini Urus. He also owns a purple Rolls-Royce Cullinan that was involved in a 2024 lawsuit, in which he was accused of driving over a young fan’s foot while leaving the Spectrum Center.
Ball is currently signed to a five-year rookie maximum extension worth up to $260 million with the Charlotte Hornets.
