Sports Media

LaMelo Ball signs five-year, $260 million contract extension with Charlotte Hornets

Griffin Crest / NBA / July 1, 2023

LaMelo Ball signs five-year, $260 million contract extension with Charlotte Hornets

After an impressive first few seasons in the league, the Hornets are keeping their star point guard in Charlotte for the foreseeable future. LaMelo Ball is signing a five-year deal worth up to $260 million with the franchise, as first reported by Shams Charania.

In the past, Ball has expressed his doubt of staying in the city of Charlotte, but it looks like those concerns can be washed away.

Steve Clifford, head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, has said that the Hornets need Ball in order to win.

“He badly wants to win,” Clifford said. “When you’re at his level, there are certain expectations. You’re going to be compared to the other point guards his age that have had not incredible playoff success but have had some. It’s important to his career.”

LaMelo Ball Is Already One Of The Best Passers In The NBA

Winning basketball is games is one of Ball’s greatest desires, and the California native has expressed his struggles following losing streaks in the past.

Clifford said Ball takes losing harder than most players he’s seen, according to ESPN. The 61-year-old coach has gotten texts from Ball apologizing for the latter’s poor play, saying: “Hey, my bad. I’m sorry, I should have done better.”

Last season, Ball shined through the Hornets’ poor play. The 21-year-old averaged 23 points per game on 41% from the field and 38% from deep. Adding on to his scoring, Ball can dish out flashy passes around the league. Ball averaged nearly eight assists last season, as well as grabbing around six rebounds per contest.