LaMelo Ball Introduces the PUMA MB.04 Low Via "Alien Skin" Metamorphosis

LaMelo Ball might've missed out on February's NBA All-Star Weekend, but the Charlotte Hornets guard is a star. His signature series with PUMA Hoops has also dominated the basketball footwear scene, delivering a comfortable, reliable ride in color combinations equally as bold as the athlete's play.

Ahead of summer, the youngest Ball Brother and PUMA Hoops will introduce the MB.04 Lo, the latest offering from their ongoing partnership. The pair by the German sportswear giant arrives in a punchy blue color scheme reminiscent of previous "Buzz City" releases inspired by the Hornets. However, it abandons the vibrant purple and playful insect logo found on its predecessors, ruling out the possibility of another Charlotte-inspired shoe. Instead, the eye-catching, multi-colored ensemble indulges in an "Alien Skin" theme, continuing to draw inspiration from the idea that the NBA guard is otherworldly. Close inspection of the engineered mesh upper reveals a peculiar circular pattern that adds another tally to Ball's extraterrestrial offerings.

Since the original PUMA MB.01 dropped in December 2021, the series has played into the idea that LaMelo Ball is "not from here." At every level of the game, the California-native has proven that his skillset and on-court swagger is too ridiculous for earth, positioning him as some other-worldy force. The NITROFOAM™-cushioned sneaker is laden with references to this very notion, but the gradient pattern throughout the upper might also contribute to the idea.

Enjoy official photos of the debut MB.04 Lo "Alien Skin" below. Pairs will land via PUMA.com on Friday, April 18. Men's sizing is priced at $115, whereas Kid's sizing arrives with a $105 price tag.

Outside of the basketball space, the MagMax NITRO™ "Peach Frost" is available now.