Hornets' LaMelo Ball has taken his game to a new level
Now in his fourth season, Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has finally stepped out from the shadows of his father, LaVar, and brother, Lonzo.
In fact, LaMelo — who wowed crowds at Chino Hills (Calif.) High School and played in Lithuania and Australia before playing in an NBA game — has arrived as a superstar.
Despite a slow start this season, the 22-year-old is averaging 25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 8.3 assists and shooting career highs from the field (44.4%) and three-point range (39.1%). Lonzo, meanwhile, has yet to play this season for the Chicago Bulls while recovering from a knee injury.
Over the past eight games, LaMelo has taken his play to another level. In that span, he is averaging 32 points, 6.5 rebounds and 8.1 assists and shooting 50.3% from the field. He is also shooting 44.9% from three on 9.8 attempts per game.
LaMelo is an expert creator and one of the league's best playmakers. With his height (6-foot-7), he can see over most players defending him. He also has the awareness and vision to make passes other players would not dream of attempting.
That skill was on display Monday night during a 121-118 win in overtime over the NBA-leading Boston Celtics (11-3).
LaMelo's passing ability makes him a must-watch on NBA League Pass despite the struggles of his team.
The Hornets (4-9) are 13th in the Eastern Conference, and outside of Mark Williams (13.8 points, 10 rebounds, 70.2% shooting), guard Terry Rozier (22 PPG, five APG) and Ball, they have struggled. (Rozier has missed eight games with a left groin strain.)
Against Boston on Monday, Ball finished with 36 points, nine rebounds and eight assists and shot 15-for-27 from the field and 5-for-11 from three-point range.
With 7.2 seconds left in regulation, LaMelo got a tough driving layup to fall to force overtime.
To regularly compete, however, Charlotte must fortify its roster. It is clear, though, that it made the right call to select LaMelo third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft and give him a five-year, $260 million contract.
LaMelo will always have his doubters. That is what happens when you are one of the most polarizing prospects in recent memory. He has proven, however, he is a superstar who brings flash, charisma and a showtime attitude to a franchise that desperately needs it.
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