LaMelo Ball Called 'Unserious' by NBA Exec, Trade Value Ripped by Insiders Amid Rumors

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has put up strong numbers since entering the NBA in 2020, but insiders continue to question his commitment to playing winning basketball.

Speaking to ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks, an anonymous Western Conference executive commented on Ball this week, saying, "Nobody has ever questioned the talent, but he's just so unserious."

Ball, 24, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft, and he showed immense potential early in his career, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2021 and an All-Star nod the following season.

However, due to injury, Ball has not appeared in more than 47 games in a single season since his second NBA campaign, and the Hornets have also never made the playoffs during his tenure.

In 245 career games, Ball boasts averages of 20.9 points, 7.5 assists, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 three-pointers made and 1.5 steals, but he also shoots just 41.9 percent from the field and commits 3.3 turnovers per contest.

Hornets-Nets Full Highlights

01:31

On top of that, the Hornets have never reached the playoffs during Ball's tenure, and they have finished with a winning record only once.

Given that the Hornets haven't played in many significant games during Ball's career, there remains uncertainty among NBA insiders regarding whether Ball could thrive on the playoff stage, with an Eastern Conference executive telling MacMahon and Marks, "Can I trust LaMelo in the playoffs and games that matter late in the season? We just don't know."

Ball has been the subject of some trade rumors lately, with Yahoo Sports' Kelly Iko (h/t Sporting News' Charlie Baduini) reporting last month that Ball had become "frustrated" with the Hornets' direction and was open to a trade.

However, Ball denied that was the case one day later, telling reporters, "I love being here. I ain't saying nothing. I'm just trying to win, that's it. That's what we're going to keep doing."

Ball's talent is undeniable, but his durability concerns, penchant for taking questionable shots and inconsistent defensive effort were all issues that NBA insiders pointed toward when expressing their belief to MacMahon and Marks that his trade value isn't particularly high.

The Hornets are under no immediate pressure to trade Ball since he is under contract through the 2028-29, but since Charlotte continues to go nowhere fast with a 6-15 record so far this season, it is fair to wonder how much longer the organization is willing to keep him around as a core piece.