As the Charlotte Hornets prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season, all eyes are on LaMelo Ball… not just for his dazzling playmaking and scoring, but for his growth as a leader. According to reporting from Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer, the organization has made it clear that Ball’s next step is about more than numbers. As the face of the franchise and its highest-paid player, the Hornets want him to embrace the responsibilities that come with being the team’s cornerstone.
Ball’s on-court talent has never been in question. In just 47 games last season, he averaged 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds, including a career-high 50-point performance against Milwaukee. He also became the first Hornets player to record at least 30 points and 10 assists in a season opener. But injuries once again cut his campaign short, marking the third consecutive year he played fewer than 50 games. Despite those setbacks, Charlotte remains committed to building around him, believing his creativity and flair are central to their long-term vision.
Now, the challenge is leadership. The Hornets have assembled a roster that blends promising youth with experienced veterans. Rookie Kon Knueppel, along with Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner, join a core that already features Brandon Miller, Collin Sexton, Miles Bridges, and Spencer Dinwiddie. With Miller expected to return from injury and form a dynamic scoring duo alongside Ball, the team’s success will hinge on whether Ball can consistently organize the offense, elevate teammates, and set the tone on and off the court.
Head coach Charles Lee and the front office see this as the natural evolution of Ball’s career. At 24, with an All-Star appearance already under his belt and career averages of 21 points, 7.4 assists, and 6 rebounds, he has proven he can be one of the league’s most exciting guards. What they want now is for him to become the steady voice in the locker room, the player who holds teammates accountable, and the leader who can guide a young roster through the grind of an NBA season.
For Charlotte, the stakes are high. The Hornets have not been to the playoffs since 2016, and with the Eastern Conference growing more competitive each year, they need more than highlights from their star, they need direction. Ball’s leadership leap could be the difference between another rebuilding year and a breakthrough season.
The Hornets’ message is clear: LaMelo Ball has already proven he can be the face of the franchise. Now, they want him to be its heartbeat.
