In the 2020 NBA Draft, LaMelo Ball fell into the laps of the Charlotte Hornets, with the franchise and its fans hoping they had finally found the centerpiece of the team moving forward. On the floor, Ball has flashed plenty of talent with his signature swagger, shooting ability, and passing, but overall, the team has failed to turn things around.
Since drafting Ball, the Hornets have added young talents such as Brandon Miller and Rookie of the Year leader Kon Knueppel, but to this point, they’re still struggling with a 4-11 record in the 2025-26 season.
LaMelo Ball and the Hornets Are Open to Parting Ways, According to an NBA Reporter
This season, Ball is averaging 21.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 9.6 assists a game, numbers that should have him included among the NBA’s elite. However, with the lack of wins behind him and the small market in Charlotte, the team continues to struggle to find consistency and any glimmer of hope for the future.
Ball’s injury history has also contributed to the team’s struggles in establishing consistent on-court chemistry during his tenure, as he has played 55 or more games in only one of his five NBA seasons. This context was highlighted in a report by Kelly Iko of Yahoo Sports, who, citing “multiple sources,” detailed growing frustrations within the organization and speculated that both Ball and the Hornets may be open to a potential separation.
“Following the Hornets’ disappointing road loss to the 2-13 Indiana Pacers — their fourth straight, dropping Charlotte to 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 4-11 record — star guard LaMelo Ball has grown increasingly frustrated with the organization and is open to a trade away from the franchise, multiple league sources told Yahoo Sports,” Iko wrote.
Amidst a rough 4-11 start, Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball has grown increasingly frustrated with the organization and is open to a trade, league sources tell @YahooSports. https://t.co/UQOxO5Q3Tg
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) November 20, 2025
In his report, Iko cited Wednesday night’s game as a telling example, when LaMelo Ball was benched for the final 4:32 of regulation during the Hornets’ 127-119 loss. Ball finished with 18 points on 5-for-21 shooting, along with six turnovers in 27 minutes.
Iko added that, according to league sources, the front office has grown increasingly hesitant to solidify Ball as a long-term foundational piece.
“League sources say the front office is increasingly hesitant about cementing Ball as a long-term foundational piece, has become disillusioned with the 24-year-old and is open to moving him,” he wrote.
Despite the production and flashy numbers, Ball’s efficiency has dipped in 2025-26, as the 24-year-old is shooting just 29.8% from 3 and 38.5% from the field, both career lows.
One hour after Iko’s report went live, Ball responded on X by posting a clown emoji.
— Melo (@MELOD1P) November 20, 2025
Ball is a player with immense talent, flair, and the ability to become a fan favorite, and if a team sees him as a franchise centerpiece and puts him in a position to thrive, he could net Charlotte a significant return.