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Lonzo Ball Predicts Hornets Trade LaMelo Ball to NBA Playoff Contender This Summer

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated May 16, 2025 6:25 PM ET

The Charlotte Hornets had another down year, despite a solid statistical season from their young star guard, LaMelo Ball. However, injuries have continued to derail Ball's consistency and durability—two key factors preventing the franchise from taking the next step.

While he remains the team’s clear best player heading into the offseason, his older brother, Lonzo Ball, predicted a wild scenario during the latest episode of the "WAE Show" this week.

Both Ball brothers have experienced success in their NBA careers, yet both have battled injuries—though Lonzo’s have been far more significant.

Now, with both the Bulls and Hornets looking to rebuild for the future, Lonzo predicted that the Hornets—who hold the No. 4 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft—will select Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, and then trade LaMelo to the Los Angeles Clippers in what would be a blockbuster move for all involved.

"I low key got Dylan Harper going to the Hornets and I got Melo going to the Clips." Ball said.

Lonzo Ball says he envisions the Hornets drafting Dylan Harper and LaMelo Ball getting traded to the Clippers

( @TheWAEShow / h/t @HornetsReddit )

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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 16, 2025

The Clippers are coming off a competitive first-round series in the Western Conference, where they pushed the Denver Nuggets to seven games before ultimately falling short.

A player like LaMelo would bring serious playmaking ability and scoring at all three levels. However, it raises the question: how would he fit alongside James Harden, who is currently the Clippers’ primary ball handler?

Ball has the talent and potential to become one of the best guards in the league—if he can stay on the court. Last season, he averaged 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds. That said, he played in only 47 games.

Across his five NBA seasons, he’s played 75 or more games just once. In 2022 and 2023, he appeared in just 22 and 36 games, respectively.

From a financial standpoint, the Clippers would need to make significant adjustments to their roster to absorb Ball’s contract. He’s currently in the middle of a five-year, $204 million extension that he signed in 2023.

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

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