Overview
- LaMelo Ball publicly denied that he wants out of Charlotte, telling reporters he loves being with the Hornets and is focused on winning.
- League insiders Jake Fischer and Marc Stein report it is premature to treat Ball as an active trade candidate, with the Hornets not currently shopping him ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline.
- Ball is averaging 21.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 9.3 assists in 10 games but has a recent history of ankle issues and sat out Sunday for right-ankle management.
- Charlotte fell to 4–13 with a sixth straight loss, a slide that has kept outside interest alive even as executives largely adopt a wait-and-see approach.
- Media have floated hypothetical deals, including proposals involving the Clippers and a Mavericks–Anthony Davis concept, though sources say his contract and durability questions limit the market for now.