The 2025-26 NBA season will mark LaMelo Ball’s Year 6 with the Charlotte Hornets.
On paper, LaMelo Ball has improved each year since being picked as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
In fact, Ball averaged a career-high 25.2 points per game last season. However, the problem lies with Ball’s inability to stay fit over the course of the season.
Despite that, the Charlotte Hornets have special plans for the 24-year-old.
Photo by Soobum Im/Getty ImagesCharlotte Hornets want LaMelo Ball to ‘take a leap’ as a leader
So far, Ball has had an injury-riddled NBA journey that has led to many urging the Hornets to trade their former lottery pick.
As a result, Ball has been a mainstay in NBA trade rumors this offseason. Despite persistent rumors, the Hornets have no plans to part ways with the 24-year-old.
Instead, according to Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer, the Hornets want Ball to step up as a leader next season.
“Among the things to keep an eye out for in 2025-26: LaMelo Ball’s leadership. 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 reported.
On paper, this sounds like a solid plan for Ball’s next step in the NBA. But the report was met with criticism on social media.
NBA fans sarcastically react to Charlotte Hornets’ reported LaMelo Ball plan
Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images
At this point in his career, Ball has plenty of NBA experience under his belt. Unfortunately, he has failed to elevate the Hornets.
That’s evident from the organization not reaching the postseason even once during his tenure. Keeping that in mind, NBA fans took jabs at the Hornets and Ball over the latter’s reported new role.
“They’re setting this man up to fail, it’s a shame,” one fan wrote. While another added: “Sadly not happening lol.”
“I also want the Sun to revolve around the Earth,” a third fan wrote in a sarcastic analogy.
“Probably better off trading him for a mailbox,” a fan brutally stated.
“I don’t think he’s capable of being a leader on a team,” a fifth fan pointed out.
All things considered, fans aren’t convinced of the Hornets’ plans for Ball. They would be happier if the Hornets traded Ball and focused on building around Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel in the future.