LaMelo Ball has landed his first major endorsement deal. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Report: LaMelo Ball finalizing endorsement deal with Puma

By Erin Walsh | Last updated Aug 26, 2020 2:59 PM ET

LaMelo Ball, one of the projected top picks in the 2020 NBA Draft, is reportedly finalizing a major endorsement deal.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Ball is finalizing a shoe endorsement with Puma. He'll become the first Ball brother to sign a shoe endorsement outside of Big Baller Brand.

LaMelo Ball closing in on Puma deal, becoming first Ball Brother to sign shoe endorsement with company outside Big Baller Brand. https://t.co/2J9eRGOkhJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 26, 2020

The 19-year-old is considered one of the top three or four prospects in the 2020 draft and some believe he's better than his older brother, Lonzo, who was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017.

At this point, it's a toss-up between Ball and Anthony Edwards at No. 1 overall. Many different draft projections have the Minnesota Timberwolves taking either of the two -- there's no definitive No. 1 like Zion Williamson last year.

Among players who have signed deals with Puma in the past include Kyle Kuzma, Deandre Ayton, R.J. Barrett, Marvin Bagley, DeMarcus Cousins, Danny Green, Kendrick Nunn, Marcus Smart, Michael Porter Jr., Terry Rozier and Derrick Jones Jr.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

More must-reads: