The Charlotte Hornets are challenging superstar LaMelo Ball to take on a leadership role for the 2025-2026 NBA season.
Ball has now completed five pro seasons, and as the team’s highest-paid player, the Hornets need their star to become a franchise player both on and off the court.
Among young fans, few players are more recognized than the former Chino Hills High product.
Dating back to his teenage years, Ball has been in the spotlight, lighting the internet ablaze due to his notorious family and viral moments on the basketball court.
LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on after losing to the Milwaukee Bucks during an NBA In-Season Tournament game at Spectrum Center on November 17, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on after losing to the Milwaukee Bucks during an NBA In-Season Tournament game at Spectrum Center on November 17, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
The Hornets believed in Ball’s skills back in 2020, taking him third overall. While he has shown stretches of brilliance, injuries and inconsistencies have limited his potential over the years.
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According to reporting from Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer, the Hornets are hoping he can take the next step in his career and lead the franchise.
“As the face of the franchise and the team’s highest paid player, there are certain responsibilities that come with that, and the Hornets want to see Ball take a leap in becoming more of a leader,” Boone wrote.
“[Hornets head coach Charles] Lee, who had dinner with Ball and president of basketball operations, Jeff Peterson, earlier in the week to discuss goals, summer impressions, and personal growth, said Ball has registered a couple of personal records in the weight room this summer and was focused on building up his base.
“Lee also said he sees clear growth in Ball on the defensive side, especially on high-effort plays, but emphasizes there’s a need for continued improvement in foul discipline and defensive consistency.”
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Last season, Ball averaged 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 33.9 percent from three-point range.
He is a high-volume scorer and playmaker who requires the ball in his hands. The 24-year-old has shown the ability to be the focal point of a high-powered offense.
Unfortunately, he only played 47 games last year. Ball has only played more than 75 games once, during his second season, when he earned a spot on the All-Star team.
If Ball does mature as a leader and stays healthy for the majority of the season, he could still get back on his superstar trajectory and deliver on his sky-high potential.
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