After another injury-shortened season, the Charlotte Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball’s name has surfaced in trade speculation, but head coach Charles Lee is planning as if the star guard will be a part of the Hornets’ future.
Ball underwent ankle and wrist surgeries, limiting him to just 22 games in the 2024–25 season. Despite the setbacks, Lee said the 23-year-old’s recovery is going smoothly.
“He’s making really good progress,” Lee told The Charlotte Observer. “I expect him to be back and ready to go.”
Ball has been central to Charlotte’s rebuild since being drafted third overall in 2020. While trade rumors may swirl, especially as the Hornets prepare for a potentially active offseason, Lee’s comments suggest Ball is still firmly in the franchise’s plans moving forward.
The Hornets own the No. 6 pick in this year’s draft and could look to add more help around Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams, aiming for a more competitive 2025–26 campaign.
Hornets' Charles Lee 'Excited' About Offseason https://t.co/AXAfytrYmk pic.twitter.com/psvugppSVI
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 20, 2025
