He did it ... LaMelo Ball has finally cracked the starting line up for the Charlotte Hornets!
The 19-year-old -- 3rd overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft -- has been killing it as the 6th man for the Hornets ... averaging 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists per game in his first 20 games.
In fact, he's been so impressive, fans -- along with his famous father -- have been calling on the Hornets to move Melo to the Starting 5 ... but the team wanted to play it slow.
But now with an injury to starting guard Terry Rozier, Melo is getting the nod to start against the Miami Heat for their Monday night matchup in Miami.