LaMelo Apologizes to Bam After Injury, Explains Controversial Trip in Hornets' Win vs. Heat

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball apologized to Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo after they were both involved in a controversial play that resulted in Adebayo suffering a back injury during Charlotte's 127-126 overtime victory over Miami in the play-in tournament.

"I apologize on that one," Ball told reporters after the game. "I got hit in the head, didn't really know where I was, but I'mma check on him and see if he's okay and everything."

"I got hit in the head, didn't even know where I was, just playing basketball," he added. "But like I said, sorry and I'mma check on him."

In the second quarter of the game, Adebayo fell out of bounds and suffered a back injury after Ball appeared to grab his ankle.

Adebayo left the contest and was later ruled out.

The three-time All-Star finished with six points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 11 minutes on the floor.

Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra expressed his belief that Ball should've been ejected for the play following the loss.

"I don't think it's cute. I don't think it's funny. I think it's a stupid play," Spoelstra told reporters. "It's a dangerous play… That's a shame. He should be penalized for that. I don't think that belongs in the game, tripping guys... He should've been thrown out of the game for that."

Crew chief Zach Zarba eventually explained why the play wasn't reviewed during the game:

Ball remained on the floor for the duration of the contest, connecting on the game-winning layup for Charlotte with roughly five seconds remaining in overtime.

He scored 30 points and dished out 10 assists in 40 minutes of action, shooting 12-of-31 from the field and 2-of-16 from three-point territory.

With the win, the Hornets advanced to face the loser of Wednesday's clash between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers in the play-in tournament.

If Charlotte emerges victorious in that contest, the team would clinch its first playoff berth since 2016.

Meanwhile, Miami's 2025-26 season officially came to an end with Tuesday's defeat.