Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko reported on Thursday that LaMelo Ball has become “increasingly frustrated” with the Charlotte Hornets and is open to a trade.
LaMelo Ball Enjoys Playing For Hornets
Ball, 24, responded to Iko’s report on X with a clown face emoji.
Speaking after Friday’s practice in preparation for Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, the star point guard expanded on his reaction, denying Iko’s report and stating he doesn’t want to leave Charlotte.
“It didn’t come from me,” Ball told Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer. “The source wasn’t me, so it’s false info. Got to let them know. I really don’t like commenting on stuff, but it got too big. … I love being here.”
Ball added that he typically doesn’t give trade rumors much attention. However, Iko’s story was quite the bombshell report, so the former No. 3 overall pick just couldn’t resist.
“It was [spreading] so much, they were making headlines,” Ball said. “Bleacher Report and this and that. So I didn’t want it to keep going on.”
Coach Charles Lee Praises Star Guard
What’s more, Hornets second-year coach Charles Lee was thrilled to hear Ball’s comments.
“I’m glad to hear what he had to say because I would echo a lot of same things,” Lee said. “Our relationship, our ability to have communication between myself, Melo and Jeff [Peterson, the team’s president of basketball operations], it’s really hot.
“And I think that he’s always communicated to us. He wants to build this thing with us. He understands what it’s going to take to try to win and who we need in the building and stuff.
“So I think that he is just committed to Charlotte. He’s talked about how much he loves the city and the fans and that’s all I ever hear and that’s all.”
Ball Has Struggled To Stay Healthy
Through nine games (all starts) of his sixth NBA campaign, Ball is averaging 21.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 9.6 assists, and 1.4 steals while shooting career lows of 38.5% from the field and 29.8% from deep.
Last season, Ball averaged a career-best 25.2 points per game while shooting 40.5% from the floor and 33.9% from 3-point territory. He scored 50 points, also a career high, at Milwaukee on Nov. 23, 2024.
Durability, though, has been an issue for Ball.
Ball has played more than 60 games only once in the past five seasons and has missed at least 25 games in the past three. The Hornets went 2-24 without the 6-foot-7 guard last season.
Per Spotrac, Ball is currently in the second season of a five-year, $203.85 million rookie contract extension. He’s earning $37.95 million this campaign, and his deal includes a 15% trade bonus.
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