The Charlotte Hornets missed the playoffs and ended the season on a low note. Even so, LaMelo Ball stood out as a bright spot.

Trade rumors began to surface, and the guard did not hold back. He responded with confidence, leaving no doubts about where he stands.

© Jared C. Tilton/Getty ImagesLaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during the first half of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Spectrum Center on March 05, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Charlotte Hornets wrapped up a disappointing season, closing out the regular schedule with seven straight losses.

They finished with a 19-63 record, which placed them 14th in the Eastern Conference. Amid all the struggles, LaMelo Ball stood out as a bright spot.

The 23-year-old guard consistently made an impact whenever he stepped on the court. Even with his strong performances, trade rumors started to surface around the young star. In response, Ball did not hold back when asked if the speculation had affected him.

“I’m bothered if I don’t eat, if I ain’t got the meal, I’ll call my people, hopefully some food will come. Bother means like stuff throughout the day.

Like the dog pisses on the floor or something like that, that bothers me. Little stuff like that. But telling you to go somewhere or do this, nah. It can’t,” stated LaMelo Ball as reported by Jerry Donatien.

In his fifth NBA season, LaMelo Ball is enjoying the best individual campaign of his career. He is averaging 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game, leading the Charlotte Hornets in both scoring and playmaking.

Beyond his on-court production, Ball has also reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise: “All that you need to leave and this and that, when you build something it’s never just gonna pop off and be the best thing. You gotta stay there and work it out.”

For now, any talk of a trade request can be put to rest. Ball still has four years remaining on his $200 million contract with the team. 

However, the organization remains focused on getting him to stay healthy and available. He appeared in only 47 games this season and has not played more than 70 games since the 2021–22 campaign. If he can stay on the floor, his impact could be even greater as the Hornets look to return to playoff contention.

Head coach Charles Lee and LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets speak during the second half of the game against the Miami Heat at Spectrum Center on November 27, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Hornets head coach Charles Lee shares expectations for LaMelo Ball ahead of 2025–26 NBA season

LaMelo Ball has firmly established himself as one of the most dynamic talents in the NBA, and new Hornets head coach Charles Lee is well aware of his star’s potential.

As Ball prepares for his sixth season in the league, there are still key areas he needs to develop to reach the next level.

Speaking during his end-of-season interview for 2024-25, Lee did not hesitate to praise Ball’s impact on the court. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of continued growth as the franchise looks to turn a corner.

“Teams are trying to deny him, trying to be physical, and you can see early in the year when teams did it, it definitely bothered him…As he got used to it, he got a lot more comfortable, so it’s going to start with his body.

 He’s got to get stronger and more conditioned to be able to play both sides of the ball and sustain efforts… When you’re one of the best players in the league, you have to be ready for physicality. In order to combat that, you have to be stronger,” affirmed Charles Lee.