LaMelo Ball’s 2025 Season: Star Power, Setbacks, and the Future of the Hornets
LaMelo Ball continues to be one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, showcasing a mix of elite playmaking, scoring ability, and charisma. In the 2025 season, Ball averaged 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game—career highs across the board—cementing his role as the face of the Charlotte Hornets.
One of his season highlights came when he dropped a career-high 50 points in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, setting a new franchise scoring record. The performance was a bold statement from the 23-year-old guard, who is in the first year of his $203.85 million contract extension with Charlotte.
However, the season wasn’t without its challenges. Ball suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him for a portion of the season, contributing to a tough stretch for the Hornets that included a seven-game losing streak. Though he made a brief return to on-court activities in February, medical staff ultimately decided to shut him down for the remainder of the season to address ongoing ankle and wrist issues with minor surgical procedures.
Despite these setbacks, Ball remains a central part of the Hornets’ long-term vision. Team management has reiterated their commitment to building the franchise around him, viewing his unique skill set as vital to any future success. Still, concerns about his injury history are looming, and both the team and Ball will need to navigate that carefully moving forward.
As the 2025 offseason begins, all eyes will be on how Charlotte reinforces its roster to better support its franchise player—who, when healthy, is among the league’s most exciting talents.
