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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 21: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball up court in the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during their game at Spectrum Center on January 21, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
The Charlotte Hornets have been playing some of the best basketball of the season. Heading into a game against the Pelicans, they had won six straight games. Charlotte is finally healthy, and they have played very well offensively.
LaMelo Ball has finally been able to stay on the court for an extended period of time. With him running the show, the Hornets have the best offense over that six-game win streak in the NBA. He has avoided the lower-body injuries that have plagued him during his career.
In a game against the Pelicans, Ball was hurt enough to head back to the locker room. What was strange about this injury was that his own head coach caused it.
GettyCharlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball smiles. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Hornets Coach Charles Lee Gives LaMelo Ball a Head Injury
In that game against New Orleans, the ball was headed out of bounds towards the Hornets’ bench. Ball was lunging for the ball, and Lee did at the same time. They ended up colliding heads, which resulted in Ball having to go back to the locker room.
Basketball Forever
LaMelo Ball suffered a head injury after colliding with his head coach 😵💫
Ball was escorted to the locker room shortly after.
(via NBA)
This is perhaps the strangest injury in the NBA this season. Ball had to lie down on the sidelines and be attended to by the coaching staff before being led back to the locker room. Right after the injury, the Pelicans went on a run and ended up taking the lead at the end of the first quarter.
Ball returned to the game in the second quarter, but it certainly gave the Hornets and their fans a scare. Ball’s injury history is scary enough to make any injury worthy of further investigation. This is likely the last time that Lee ever tries to go for a ball that is coming towards the sidelines again.
So far this season, Ball has played in 40 games. With him on the court, the Hornets are a very good offensive team. They have to figure out a way play that way consistently if they want to make the playoffs.
GettyCharlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball shoots the ball. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
The Hornets Could Make a Deadline Trade
While it’s unlikely that the Hornets end up trading Ball at the deadline, they could still make a trade. They are trying to make a push for the playoffs, and adding a piece before the deadline would help them accomplish that feat. Miles Bridges has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate.
Right now, the Hornets sit 11th in the Eastern Conference standings. They are trying to push up the standings to not just make the play-in, but somehow grab a playoff spot. Keeping Ball healthy is going to be a key to them doing just that, but they could use another minor piece.
Charlotte has the 19th-ranked defense in the league. Improving on that number would be what would drive the Hornets to making a trade at the deadline. If they don’t believe they can, they might not make a move.