LaMelo Ball Sidelined Again as Hornets Navigate Injuries, Trade Rumors, and a Tough Stretch
The Charlotte Hornets' injury report got a notable update on Saturday, and it’s not the kind of news fans were hoping for. LaMelo Ball will remain out for Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking his third consecutive missed game. But it’s not just the left wrist sprain that’s keeping him sidelined - the latest report reveals additional concerns, including a left ankle issue and a bone bruise.
Ball’s injury situation has become more complicated since he first went down back on November 14. He’s only suited up for 16 games this season, and both ankles have been problematic.
For a player whose game is built on quick changes of direction, creativity off the dribble, and playmaking in transition, lower body health is everything. Right now, that’s clearly not where it needs to be.
This stretch of missed time also comes with a cloud of uncertainty around Ball’s long-term future in Charlotte. While he’s firmly denied any desire to leave - pushing back on a report in late November that claimed he wanted out - his name continues to surface in trade speculation.
“The source didn't come from me. That’s false info,” Ball told reporters on November 21.
“I love being here.”
Still, in a league where smoke often leads to fire, the chatter hasn’t stopped. Some analysts have floated the Sacramento Kings as a possible landing spot, pointing to their need for a shakeup and Ball’s California roots. The Kings already have big names like De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, but adding a dynamic guard like Ball could bring a new dimension - especially if they’re willing to move pieces like Malik Monk or Russell Westbrook to make it happen.
Elsewhere, the Brooklyn Nets are another team reportedly eyeing roster changes. With Michael Porter Jr. leading the scoring charge, they may be in the market for a playmaker who can create off the bounce and elevate the offense in a different way.
Meanwhile, the Hornets are trying to keep their heads above water. Following a narrow 129-126 loss to the Bulls, Charlotte has now dropped two straight and sits at 7-18 on the season. It’s a tough spot - the kind of stretch that tests a team’s resolve and often forces front offices to make hard decisions.
For now, the Hornets continue to navigate a difficult road without their star guard. Ball’s health remains the top priority, but with trade season heating up and the team struggling to find consistency, the next few weeks could be pivotal - not just for the Hornets’ season, but for the direction of the franchise moving forward.