The Charlotte Hornets want star guard LaMelo Ball to "take a leap in becoming more of a leader" during the 2025-26 NBA season, according to the Charlotte Observer's Roderick Boone. "Lee also said he sees clear growth in Ball on the defensive side, especially on high-effort plays, but emphasizes there's a need for continued improvement in foul discipline and defensive consistency. "Lee also said he sees clear growth in Ball on the defensive side, especially on high-effort plays, but emphasizes there's a need for continued improvement in foul discipline and defensive consistency." With Ball, it's tough to totally divorce Charlotte's general futility from his status within the squad. The Hornets have had a winning record just once since picking him in the 2020 draft.