LaMelo Ball, the Charlotte Hornets star and one of the NBA’s most popular figures, recently posted a cryptic message on Instagram following his career-high 50-point game on November 23, 2024. This standout performance also included 5 rebounds, 10 assists, and 6 three-pointers, marking a first in franchise history for such numbers in a single contest.
Overview of Ball’s NBA Career and Recent Season
Selected as the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, LaMelo Ball has spent all five seasons of his career with the Hornets. He emerged as an NBA All-Star in 2022 and entered this season with career averages of 21.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 42.1% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc in 231 games. Last season, Ball maintained strong statistics, averaging 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest over 47 games, shooting 40.5% from the field and 33.9% from three-point range.
The Hornets’ Struggles and Ball’s Playoff Challenges
Despite Ball’s individual success, the Hornets have struggled as a team, finishing last season as the 14th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 19-63 record. The franchise has not reached the NBA playoffs since the 2016 season, back when Kemba Walker was still leading the team. Ball’s continued growth offers hope for the Hornets to break this playoff drought in upcoming seasons.
The Online Reaction to Ball’s Recent Milestone
Ball’s Instagram post, which simply read “everyday some new ð©,” gathered over 175,000 likes and sparked excitement among fans and fellow players alike. Teammate Miles Bridges responded enthusiastically with, “Naw fr ð¤ð½.” These reactions reflect the anticipation surrounding Ball’s career trajectory and the impact he is having on the Hornets.
Looking Ahead: What Ball’s Progress Means for the Hornets and NBA
LaMelo Ball’s record-setting game and consistent performance demonstrate his growing influence in the NBA. While playoff appearances have eluded him so far, his continued development signals potential for the Hornets to contend more seriously in future seasons. Observers, including basketball writers like Ben Stinar, note that Ball’s journey remains a key storyline in the league’s evolving landscape.