LaMelo Ball Calls NBA Trade Rumors 'False Info,' Discusses Future With Hornets

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball says he posted a clown emoji Thursday in response to a recent report stating he's considering seeking a trade because the rumors were based on "false info."

"He never heard that come from me. Source is not from me, so it's false info. Got to let him know," Ball said Friday. "I really don't like commenting back on stuff, but when it gets too big, you've got to say something."

When asked if he was "content" in Charlotte, Ball answered: "I love being here. I didn't say nothing. I'm just trying to win, that's it."

"Ups and downs. We're in some downs right now, we're definitely going to go up," Ball continued Friday. "I'm still confident in this whole group."

When asked about his health, Ball said, "I feel good. I feel like we're going to go on a run."

Ball had posted the emoji in response to a report from Yahoo Sports' Kelly Iko, who wrote the guard was "open to a trade away from the franchise" and that the Hornets were "increasingly hesitant about cementing Ball as a long-term foundational piece."

Head coach Charles Lee was asked Friday if the Hornets still saw Ball, who is playing in the second year of his five-year, $204 million deal, as a "cornerstone of the franchise."

"He's a huge piece of our franchise. He's a huge piece of what we do, offensively and defensively," Lee answered. "So, yes."

Ball has been limited by a right ankle injury during the Hornets' 4-11 start to the season. He's averaged 21.6 points and 9.6 assists through the nine games he's been available to play in.

He recently sat out five straight games due to his ankle before returning on Nov. 14.

Ball has been playing under limitations since then, sitting out the second half of a back-to-back set and staying under 28 minutes of playing time per night.

"It's tough for him, because he's a competitor, and he wants to be out there, and he wants to help impact winning," Lee said Friday. "It's tough for me, because I want him on the floor. But I do think, ultimately, this is going to put him in his best position to be available for more games."

Ball has been shut down before the end of his last three seasons with the Hornets. He most recently underwent season-ending wrist and ankle surgery in March.

The Hornets have also been missing Brandon Miller, who has been sidelined since Oct. 25 with a shoulder injury.

Making sure Ball and Miller, who each missed significant time last season, have the best possible chance of being available down the stretch will be key to the Hornets' hopes of bouncing back later this season.