Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball walked out of his post-game press conference following a 105-101 loss to the Houston Rockets after being asked about a car crash he was involved in the previous day.
Ball had played in the game, recording 11 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. During the press conference, a reporter asked Ball about the crash and how he knew the other driver was uninjured. “I seen her get straight out the car,” Ball replied, adding, “Just alive and blessed. God is great,” said Ball. When a follow-up question was asked about his emotional state, Ball left the room.
The crash occurred the day before the Rockets game when Ball’s custom Hummer was involved in a collision while he was making a left turn in Charlotte. The vehicle lost its front driver-side wheel in the incident.
LaMelo Ball’s off-court incidents and previous infractions
The press conference walkout is the latest in a series of off-court moments involving Ball. He has previously received fines and warnings for various infractions during his time in Charlotte. The car crash and subsequent media interaction have added to the scrutiny around his conduct away from the court.
Ball remains one of the Hornets’ most productive players statistically and continues to start for the team.
Hornets’ record and Ball’s role in Charlotte’s season
The 105-101 loss to Houston continued a difficult stretch for Charlotte. The Hornets have not made the playoffs since the 2015-16 season, and the team’s postseason hopes depend heavily on Ball’s availability and production as the primary ball-handler.
Ball’s 11-point, seven-rebound, seven-assist line against the Rockets was below his season averages, though he played the full game one day after the car crash.
Ball’s availability and Hornets’ remaining schedule
Ball’s playing status is not expected to be affected by the crash or the press conference incident. The Hornets continue to rely on him as their primary offensive initiator as they attempt to climb the Eastern Conference standings over the remaining weeks of the regular season.
Charlotte’s next games will indicate whether the off-court events have any measurable effect on Ball’s on-court output or the team’s performance.