LaMelo Ball Bluntly Rebuts 'False Info' About Explosive Reports Hinting at His Desire to Exit Hornets

NBA insider Kelly Iko reported on Thursday that LaMelo Ball was frustrated with the Charlotte Hornets' 4-11 start to the 2025-26 season. According to Iko, Ball is reportedly open to a trade due to the rough start. However, the All-Star guard downplayed the report during his time with the media on Friday.

The Hornets and Ball haven't had the best success. Since the franchise drafted the 6-foot-7 guard in 2020, they haven't made the playoffs. One of the primary reasons for this is the star's history of ailments, which have prevented him from playing.

However, that doesn't mean that Ball wants to leave Charlotte.

“He never heard that come from me,” Ball said. “The source is not from me. It's false info, gotta let them know. I don’t really like commenting back on stuff.

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When Ball was asked about his opinion on the city and the franchise, the star kept it short and simple.

“I love being here.”

According to Iko's report, the Hornets have also grown concerned about having Ball as part of their foundation. Charlotte has reportedly become "disillusioned" with the idea of the former Chino Hills star as a long-term piece.

This season, LaMelo Ball has appeared in nine games, averaging 21.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 9.6 assists. Just like the previous seasons, Ball has already started to miss games due to injury. Charlotte hasn't really had a chance to make the playoffs because of his absence.

He's only played more than 50 games two times. The most was in 2022, when he suited up for 75 contests. Last season, he was limited to just 47 games.

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Brian Windhorst warns LaMelo Ball and the Hornets about a potential trade

LaMelo Ball has built up his market as one of the best playmakers in the NBA. When healthy, he could go toe-to-toe with the best floor generals. However, there haven't been enough of those moments for Ball, since he's always injured.

His stardom isn't enough to get him a valuable return package in a potential trade. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, there isn't a demand for a point guard in the trade market. Windhorst warned Ball and the Hornets about it, and said that there aren't enough teams looking for a point guard.

The insider talked about it on Thursday's "The Hoop Collective."

“And there may not be action just right now by the Hornets to look for a trade, but there’s just not that many teams that are seriously in need of a point guard. Let’s say there’s seven or eight who could use an upgrade,” Windhorst said (Timestamp: 3:43).

However, Windhorst provided positive information regarding LaMelo Ball's value in the trading market. According to him, teams are willing to trade for him, despite his injury history.

Edited by Reign Amurao