Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball should listen to NBA legend Isiah Thomas.
Before the Charlotte Hornets lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday (12/22), NBA legend Isiah Thomas sent a strong message to LaMelo Ball.
Thomas said Ball has a big decision to make moving forward.
"He's a difference maker," Thomas said about Ball. "He's a real difference maker. The decision he has to make, does he wanna entertain and be a fun guy or does he wanna win? Right now, he's an entertainer, fun guy. We love him. Everybody likes him. He walks into the room, lights up. All the players around the league likes him.
"When they start hating him and disliking him, that's when he'll start winning. And right now, he's gotta make a decision. Do I wanna win or do I wanna be liked?"
Ball has never been to the playoffs. He's only had one winning season in the NBA.
The Hornets lost to the Cavaliers, dropping to 9-20 on the season. Ball put up 23 points and nine assists against Cleveland in 24 minutes.
On the season, Ball is averaging 19.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 8.6 assists per game while shooting 39.6% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 87.9% from the free-throw line.
Ball has been in trade rumors this season. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Sacramento Kings are not interested in trading for Ball despite needing a point guard. Fischer also said that a prominent NBA figure told him that Ball is the most "unserious" player in the league.
"I don't think Sacramento is really interested in LaMelo Ball," Fischer said. "I think everything Scott Perry has talked about, both privately and publicly since taking over this team, points to a desire to reestablish a tough, gritty identity. Someone I spoke with on the phone this morning, a prominent NBA figure, called LaMelo Ball the most unserious player in the NBA. That's not my opinion. That was a quote from someone inside the league. I don't think Sacramento would view LaMelo as someone to really reinvigorate their culture around."
Ball is making $37.9 million this season. He signed a massive five-year, $203 million extension with the Hornets in 2023.
Trading Ball would open up more shots for Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. However, it may be difficult for the Hornets to find a team interested in trading for Ball.