LaMelo Ball has heard the questions. For years, critics have wondered out loud: Is he really a winning player? But as the Charlotte Hornets surge through one of the most impressive stretches of basketball they’ve played in years, it’s becoming harder-and frankly, unfair-to keep asking that question.
The numbers, the eye test, and the Hornets' recent results all point to the same conclusion: LaMelo Ball is not just a flashy playmaker or highlight reel waiting to happen. He’s the engine behind Charlotte’s rise, a player whose presence on the court fundamentally changes the trajectory of this team.
Let’s start with the impact. Since Ball entered the league in 2020, the Hornets have won 42% of their games when he plays.
Without him? That number drops to just 26%.
That’s not a small dip-it’s a cliff. And it speaks volumes.
When LaMelo is on the floor, Charlotte isn’t just more competitive-they’re a different team entirely.
Offensively, the shift is just as stark. With Ball in the lineup, the Hornets post an offensive rating of 113.4.
When he’s out? That number falls to 108.9.
In a league where every possession matters, that kind of swing is massive. It’s the difference between a team that can hang with the best and one that struggles to keep up.
And lately, the Hornets haven’t just been keeping up-they’ve been dominating.
Over their last 15 games, Charlotte leads the NBA in offensive rating, second-chance points, and three-point percentage. They’re second in rebound percentage and fourth in net rating.
That’s not just a hot streak-that’s elite-level production across the board. And it’s no coincidence that this run has coincided with LaMelo’s healthiest stretch of the season.
Since December 18, he’s played in 19 straight games, and the Hornets have taken off.
Want more proof? Charlotte’s average margin of victory in wins this season is +19.3-the highest in NBA history.
That’s not a typo. When they win, they really win.
And LaMelo is at the heart of it all.
Dig a little deeper into the numbers, and the picture gets even clearer. With Ball on the floor this season, Charlotte’s offense hums at a level that would rank third-best in the league.
Without him? That same offense drops all the way to 27th.
That’s a swing of more than six points per 100 possessions-a gap that speaks to just how central he is to everything the Hornets do.
This isn’t about potential anymore. It’s not about what LaMelo might be or what he could become.
It’s about what he’s doing right now. He’s playing winning basketball.
He’s lifting his team. And the results are finally catching up to the talent.
The Hornets are evolving, and LaMelo Ball is leading the charge. The conversation should reflect that.