The Charlotte Hornets still seem far from contending for the NBA playoffs, entering Friday’s game against the Toronto Raptors with a 6–16 record. After making multiple moves in the offseason, it has not translated into team success, and there have not been many bright spots.
Point guard LaMelo Ball has also been underwhelming this year throughout his first 15 games of the season. The 24-year-old has shot the ball inefficiently early on, shooting 38.4% from the field and just 29.3% from 3-point range.
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There is still time for Ball to improve his efficiency, and for him just staying on the court for a full season will be a victory for the organization. Ball has persistently battled injuries throughout his six NBA seasons, appearing in fewer than 50 games each of the last three years.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) © Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
His injury issues continued to bother him on Friday against the Raptors. Ball struggled from deep throughout his first 12 minutes of action, missing all four of his attempts from 3-point range. To make matters worse, he headed to the locker room early in the third quarter with 10:09 left on the clock.
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The Hornets provided clarity moments later, announcing Ball had left ankle soreness and would not return to the game.
“INJURY UPDATE: @hornets guard LaMelo Ball left tonight’s game in TOR in the 3Q with left ankle soreness and will not return,” the team wrote on X.
This is yet another unfortunate setback for Ball, as ankle issues have been his biggest injury concern. The one positive for Ball is that the soreness is on his left ankle, not his right ankle, which has previously been surgically repaired. Regardless, his status will continue to be monitored closely.
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Ball’s journey with the Hornets began when he was selected third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. He quickly made an impact, winning Rookie of the Year in 2020–21 and earning his first All-Star selection in 2022. Despite the injuries, he has remained the focal point of Charlotte’s rebuild and the player the franchise continues to market as its face.
Earlier this year, reports surfaced suggesting Ball wanted out of Charlotte, fueling speculation about his long-term future. However, he quickly shut down those rumors, reaffirming his commitment to the Hornets and expressing his desire to help turn the team into a contender. For now, the focus remains on his health and consistency.
If Ball can stay on the floor and rediscover his rhythm, he still has the talent to change the trajectory of the Hornets’ future.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.