Charlotte Hornets Reveal One Area They Want LaMelo Ball to Improve in This Season

Ever since arriving in the NBA, LaMelo Ball has been a star for the Charlotte Hornets, but with struggles staying healthy, we likely haven't seen the best of the 24-year-old just yet. Last season, when he was on the floor, Ball averaged a career-high 25 points a night to go along with 7 assists, although he appeared in just 47 games during that time.

Now, with more and more talent around him in Charlotte, this is a team that can become fairly competitive, but to do that, they need a full season of their star point guard. Not only that, but the Charlotte Observer has now revealed what they need to see from Ball in order for him and the team to take the next step forward.

“Among the things to keep an eye out for in 2025-26: LaMelo Ball’s leadership. As the face of the franchise and the team’s highest-paid player, there are certain responsibilities that come with that, and the Hornets want to see Ball take a leap in becoming more of a leader.”

Despite being just 24, Ball is one of the more experienced players in this starting lineup, which includes Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. If they're to take a step forward, they need him to step up and be a leader.

When healthy, there's no doubting that Ball can be one of the best point guards in the entire NBA, and if he can step up as a leader, there should be plenty of optimism in Charlotte this season.