If you've kept up with the latest news cycle concerning LaMelo Ball, you've no doubt heard the continued comments of those either predicting or desiring for him to leave the Charlotte Hornets. We've now heard LaVar Ball, Lonzo Ball and even Lou Williams give their input on the matter. All have discussed the possibility of him making a move to the West Coast to play for his hometown LA Clippers.
To recap, back in September of 2024 was when LaVar first made comments that he would like for all three of his sons to play for the Clippers. Then, not two weeks ago we saw Lonzo make a podcast appearance where he predicted that LaMelo would be traded to the Clippers.
Now, former Clippers legend Lou Williams is the latest big name to join the conversation. On Run It Back on FanDuel TV, Williams stated that he could "see the Clippers making a play for LaMelo Ball."
Williams' main argument was centered around Los Angeles changing up their offensive strategy. In his mind, the Clippers will be more successful going forward if they move James Harden back to the two-guard slot and then insert a new playmaking point guard into their starting lineup, which is obviously where Ball would come in.
Many are predicting a LaMelo Ball move to the Clippers
If you're a Clippers fan, these are likely the conversations that get you very excited about future possibilities. But obviously, for fans of the Charlotte Hornets, most are hoping that we can just leave these speculations as simply that and move on.
It would of course be an interesting story for LaMelo to return to his home in Southern California and suit up for the Clippers. But from everything we know right now, there doesn't seem to be any real indication that Ball is on his way out of Charlotte.
On top of that, it wouldn't exactly be easy for the Clippers to pull off a trade for LaMelo. Ball is still under contract for four more seasons, and will be owed north of $165 million between now and the 2028-29 NBA season.
LA would have to dismantle a team filled with role players that overperformed in a big way this past season. It's safe to say it wouldn't be a wise decision for a team looking to retain their depth in a stacked Western Conference.
The Hornets as an organization remain committed to LaMelo Ball. With that being said, this constant noise could still serve as something of a wake-up call. If Ball is unable to help this team progress and earn more wins in 2025-26, it's hard to think the talk of him going back to California will get any quieter.