The NBA is investigating LaMelo Ball's trip of Bam Adebayo, which could result in a flagrant foul upgrade for the Charlotte Hornets star.
LaMelo Ball had a career night for the Charlotte Hornets as he made the overtime-winning layup with 4.7 seconds remaining to beat the Miami Heat 127-126 on Tuesday night in the thrilling NBA play-in game. He ultimately finished with 30 points and 10 assists, but it wasn’t a night without drama. In the second quarter, Ball fell after a blocked shot that Miami’s Bam Adebayo grabbed for the rebound, and as he was falling, Ball swiped at Adebayo’s foot, causing him to crash down with no whistle as the game played on. Adebayo wouldn’t return after playing a mere 11 minutes in the loss that caused the Heat to miss the playoffs for the first time since 2018-19.
Now, the league is investigating Ball’s trip that resulted in a lower back injury to the Miami star, which initiated with the NBA contacting both franchises, after which they’ll contact Ball. That could result in the play being upgraded to a flagrant foul 1 or 2, but sources tell ESPN’s Shams Charania that a suspension is considered unlikely. Since the play wasn’t whistled in time, official Zach Zarba explained that the crew was unable to review it. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra missed the play but called it “stupid” and “dangerous” and believes an ejection was warranted. Ball claims that a hit to the head on the play disoriented him and apologized, planning to reach out to Adebayo.
Here is the full story from Hornets Roundtable writer Ashish Mathur on the review by the league.
Adding fuel to the fire is a resurfaced video between Ball and Adebayo back in 2024, where Ball appeared to grab at Adebayo’s leg in a similar situation on the floor, adding some weight to the investigation by the league. The Hornets will face the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers-Orlando Magic play-in game on Friday, with Ball’s status for the game hinging on this potential ruling expected within the next few days.