Hornets Announce LaMelo Ball News on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 3:08 PM ET

The Charlotte Hornets are looking to take a step forward in the 2025–26 season, as the team appears to be fully healthy. That includes LaMelo Ball, now entering his sixth season with the Hornets. Ball’s career got off to a promising start after winning Rookie of the Year in 2021. However, his availability has been a major concern since then, as he has played in just 105 games over the past three seasons.

When on the court, Ball has been an elite playmaker and has shown he can serve as Charlotte’s primary scoring option. The 24-year-old point guard averaged 32.0 minutes per game last season, posting 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals. He did record the lowest shooting percentages of his career, averaging 40.5% from the field and 33.9% from three-point range, so he will look to bounce back this year.

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

As the Hornets prepare for the NBA regular season, Ball has been participating in the preseason and ramping up his workload. The All-Star point guard played 28 minutes against the Memphis Grizzlies this past Wednesday, scoring 23 points, eight assists and five rebounds.

However, ahead of the final preseason matchup, the Hornets announced that Ball would not be available with a right knee contusion. “INJURY UPDATE: @hornets at NYK 10/17 Josh Green (L Shoulder Surgery), Grant Williams (R Knee Surgery), Tre Mann (R Hip Soreness), LaMelo Ball (R Knee Contusion) and Brandon Miller (R Wrist Soreness) are out,” the team wrote on X. The injury does not appear to be concerning, and the Hornets are likely holding Ball out of the lineup to rest in preparation for the regular season opener on Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets.

INJURY UPDATE: @hornets at NYK 10/17
Josh Green (L Shoulder Surgery), Grant Williams (R Knee Surgery), Tre Mann (R Hip Soreness), LaMelo Ball (R Knee Contusion) and Brandon Miller (R Wrist Soreness) are out.
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) October 17, 2025

As Ball prepares for his sixth season, the Hornets do not have expectations of making the NBA playoffs, yet pressure is mounting to take a step forward this year. Ball has collected an All-Star selection, yet he has never played enough to lead the Hornets to postseason play.

If injuries continue to limit his availability, Charlotte may be forced to reevaluate its long-term plans and consider building around a different core. With a young roster, the front office could pivot toward a broader rebuild if Ball cannot stay on the floor. The next few months may prove pivotal in shaping the franchise’s direction.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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