After five seasons in the NBA, LaMelo Ball has firmly established himself as one of the league’s brightest young stars. His offensive game continues to evolve, and this past season he averaged more than 25 points per game — a career high. But while Ball’s personal trajectory is on the rise, the same can’t be said for the Charlotte Hornets.
Charlotte wrapped up the 2024–25 season with a 19–63 record, placing them near the bottom of the league standings once again. With the franchise stuck in a prolonged rebuild, the speculation around Ball’s future has started to gain real traction — particularly surrounding a potential move to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Could LaMelo Return to Los Angeles?
Lonzo Ball, LaMelo’s older brother and a former top draft pick himself, didn’t shy away from feeding the rumors during a recent podcast episode. According to Lonzo, Charlotte may draft Rutgers star Dylan Harper — and that could pave the way for LaMelo to head back home.
“I lowkey got Dylan Harper going to the Hornets, and I got Melo going to the Clips,” Lonzo said.
That possibility has caught the attention of former NBA players, too. Ex-Clippers guard Lou Williams shared his own thoughts during an appearance on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, suggesting the Clippers are actively looking to upgrade at point guard.
“I can see the Clippers making a play for a premier point guard. I know they’ve been in the market for one,” Williams said. “Sliding James Harden back to the two and letting him focus on scoring again — that could really help them.”
Williams added that Charlotte’s draft choices could hint at their plans for Ball. If the Hornets select another point guard, it may be a signal that they’re preparing to move in a different direction.
Aging Los Angeles Clippers Roster In Need of Fresh Energy
For the Clippers, adding a dynamic young player like LaMelo would be a significant shift. Their current core is aging — both Kawhi Leonard (33) and James Harden (35) remain productive, but time isn’t on their side. The Clippers had the third-oldest roster in the NBA this season, behind only the Suns and 76ers.
Meanwhile, across the city, the Lakers just made a splash by acquiring Luka Dončić — a move that could pressure Steve Ballmer and the Clippers’ front office to keep pace.
“When you don’t have [a title], you’re going to chase it forever,” Williams said. “Ballmer will always try to put that team in a position to win.”
Financial Realities of a Trade
Despite the buzz, making a deal work won’t be simple. LaMelo signed a five-year, $203 million contract extension that kicked in this past season. For the Clippers to bring him in, they’d need to offer a significant trade package.
Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac would likely be part of the conversation, along with multiple draft picks. The trade would come at the cost of roster depth — something L.A. has already sacrificed in past deals.
Still, Ball brings more than just stats. He’s one of the most exciting, marketable players in the league, and his arrival would energize the Clippers fan base as the team moves into the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood.
What’s Next?
Much of this hinges on what Charlotte does at the draft. If they select another point guard early, that could indicate they’re ready to consider moving on from Ball. And if the Clippers believe they’re just one piece away from serious title contention, the call to Charlotte might not be far off.
There’s still a lot of uncertainty, but one thing’s clear: LaMelo’s situation is no longer just a quiet rumor — it’s turning into one of the offseason’s biggest stories.