LaMelo Ball was once considered to be a future superstar in the NBA. Through his first five seasons, however, LaMelo has only made one All-Star team. Injuries have played a significant role in his lack of All-Star appearances, though. In fact, Ball has only appeared in 55 games or more in a season once, something he accomplished during his All-Star campaign in 2021-22 (Ball played in 75 games that season). If Ball can stay healthy for a full campaign, will the former NBA Rookie of the Year be able to draw serious MVP consideration?
People may forget that Ball is actually an incredible talent while healthy. The Hornets have struggled to build a contending roster around him, but Ball is capable of leading the team. Trade rumors have swirled around LaMelo amid the Hornets' seemingly never-ending rebuild. Ball won't be a free agent until 2029, though, so there is no reason to rush a potential trade.
For LaMelo, the primary focus will be on avoiding injury trouble moving forward. His 2024-25 season was cut short due to injury, but he played at a high level while on the floor. In 47 games, Ball averaged 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 steals per outing. The Hornets guard could increase his shooting efficiency -- 40.5 percent from the field and 33.9 percent from beyond the arc -- but the overall talent is unquestionably present.
It is also easy to forget that Ball -- despite already entering his sixth NBA season -- will be only 24 at the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign. There are not many 24-year-olds who can claim to be veterans in the NBA. Ball hasn't even entered his prime, yet he's played more seasons than some 27 and 28-year-old NBA players.
His experience will only help him reach that next level. At the very least, LaMelo Ball is an All-Star caliber player when healthy. There is serious MVP potential, though. Ball is clearly more than a scorer, something that is evidenced by his elite ability to find open teammates. He's also a strong rebounding point guard. At 6'7", LaMelo offers an element of versatility.
Ball has room to improve on the defensive end of the floor. He features a career defensive rating of 113.9. At such a young age, one has to imagine LaMelo can increase his defensive prowess if he puts the necessary work in to accomplish the feat.
Maybe it won't happen in 2025-26. At some point in the near future, however, LaMelo Ball will emerge as a serious MVP candidate if injuries don't hold him back. It wouldn't be shocking to see him finish within the top five of NBA MVP voting sooner rather than later. Team performance will also factor into the voting, so the Hornets must continue to improve overall to help Ball's possible MVP recognition.