LaMelo Ball QUITTING on the Hornets? | LaMelo's Troubling Stat Trends | Should They Draft Another Ball Handler?

The Charlotte Hornets are once again at a crossroads, and this time, all eyes are on LaMelo Ball. His defensive effort against Minnesota raised serious questions—was it just a bad game, or is he mentally checking out as the season winds down? With the team buried in the standings and little talent surrounding him, frustration seems inevitable.We break down LaMelo’s recent play, including his declining efficiency at the rim, foul-drawing struggles, and shifting shot selection. Is the Hornets’ front office to blame for failing to build around him, or is it simply time to ask if he's the long-term answer? We also explore whether Charlotte should target another primary ball handler in the draft, despite already having LaMelo on the roster.Plus, we dig into catch-and-shoot vs. pull-up three-point numbers, what they reveal about LaMelo’s ideal role, and what Cleveland’s backcourt success with Garland and Mitchell could teach Charlotte. Is this a team-building philosophy shift waiting to happen, or are the Hornets doomed to keep repeating the same mistakes?Don't miss our deep dive into these pressing topics, plus listener questions from the Sicko Satchel. Make sure to subscribe and join the conversation!Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://linktr.ee/lockedonhornetsBecome an official member of the Locked On Hornets Sicko Brigade and get Hornets news, rumors and pictures of Byron Mullens sent directly to your phone via Subtext (14 Day Free Trial): https://joinsubtext.com/lockedonhornetsLocked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNBAGet Doug's gamenotes, special articles and a podcast on Hornets history at the Every Hornets Boxscore substack: everyhornetsboxscore.comGet more Walker on Wes and Walker 12-3pm on WFNZ 92.7 FMTop 35 Hornets Nicknames of All-Time According to Doug Branson: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-nicknames-in-hornets-franchiseTop 35 Hornets of All-Time According to Walker Mehl: https://hornets.substack.com/p/the-top-35-players-in-hornets-history📲 Follow Locked On Hornets on TwitterLocked On Hornets https://twitter.com/LockedOnHornetsWalker Mehl https://twitter.com/WalkerMehlDoug Branson https://twitter.com/DougBransonLOH Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!PrizepicksNow’s the perfect time to join.Download the app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game! TALKSPACETherapy is a game-changer. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com/LOCKEDONNBA and enter promo code SPACE80 to get $80 off your first month and show your support for the show.GametimeDownload the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.FanDuelFrom the first whistle to the final drive, FanDuel makes the NFL Playoffs even more exciting! Right now, new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get THREE HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS – if you win your first bet! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.