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Charlotte star LaMelo Ball has got his work cut out for him this offseason, according to his coach Charles Lee.
Lee had a clear message for the 23-year-old.
“He’s got to get stronger,” Lee said Monday after the team’s exit interviews.
Teams tended to ramped up defensive pressure on Ball, using physical play and body checks to throw him off. On defense, he was frequently targeted—attacked off the dribble or backed down in the lane.
Early on in the season, Ball had trouble with fouls and even fouled out a few times, but his defense improved as the season went on.
“Teams are trying to deny him, trying to be physical, and you can see early in the year when teams did it, it definitely bothered him,” Lee said. “As he got used to it, he got a lot more comfortable, so it’s going to start with his body. He’s got to get stronger and more conditioned to be able to play both sides of the ball and sustain efforts. … When you’re one of the best players in the league, you have to be ready for physicality. In order to combat that, you have to be stronger.”
Ball was asked about Lee’s comments by the media.
“I definitely agree,” the point guard said. “Just being in the weight room, and everything they’re saying.”
LaMelo has struggled to stay healthy for the last three seasons, dealing mainly with ankle complaints, but after playing in 47 games (up from 36 and 22 in the two years prior), Hornets GM Jeff Peterson is staying positive.
“Is it where we want it to be? No. Is it where he wants it to be? No. LaMelo is an incredible competitor, and he knows that in order for us to have the best chance to win and get to where we want to go, he has to be on the floor,” Peterson said. “We’re providing every resource, and again, he’s putting the time in and taking ownership in it. We’re happy the season is over in that regard and he’s able to ramp up and have a healthy start to the season next year.”
Ball underwent surgery on his right ankle and right wrist, but Peterson says he will “absolutely” be ready for training camp and the 2025-26 NBA season.
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