LaMelo Ball denies rumors: “I love the Hornets” and focuses on winning

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball has expressed his desire to stay with the team despite the difficulties and speculation about his future.

Commitment to Charlotte

Ball, after a training session in Charlotte, affirmed his commitment to the team. “I love being here. I’m just trying to win, that’s all. And that’s what we’re going to keep doing,” the player stated. The Hornets coach, Charles Lee, also highlighted Ball’s importance to the franchise. Ball, who signed a maximum contract of $260 million in July 2023, is considered a key piece in the team’s offensive and defensive aspects. He’s a huge piece of what we do, offensively and defensively. These statements arose following a report suggesting Ball’s frustration with the team’s results and his possible openness to a trade. Ball responded to this information by sharing the news on social media with a clown emoji. The Hornets, with a 4-11 record, haven’t qualified for the postseason since Ball’s arrival in 2020.

I never heard that from me, so the source isn’t me. So it’s false information.

LaMelo Ball

Ball also commented that, although he doesn’t usually talk about rumors, he felt the need to do so to prevent the news from spreading. Coach Lee, for his part, expressed his satisfaction with the fluid communication with Ball and his commitment to building a winning team in Charlotte. The relationship between Lee, Ball, and General Manager Jeff Peterson is very good, and they have always communicated that they want to build something together. Ball has expressed his love for the city and the fans.

The season started with optimism for the Hornets, but Brandon Miller’s injury in the second game has affected the team. Ball, who has only played nine games due to a sprained ankle, is back on the court, but with minute restrictions. In his first five years, Ball has participated in 231 of 410 games, mainly due to ankle problems. This season, Ball averages 21.6 points and 9.6 assists per game, although with lower-than-usual shooting percentages. Ball is under contract through the 2029-30 season and has over $168 million left to be paid. Ball’s focus is on moving forward in Charlotte and building a winning team.

We have ups and downs. We’re in a low moment right now, but we’re definitely going to go up. I still trust this whole group and everyone here.

LaMelo Ball

The Hornets will face the LA Clippers on Saturday.