LaMelo Ball is having a solid rookie season for the Charlotte Hornets, but apparently, he wants a larger role with the team.
LaMelo’s father, LaVar Ball, spoke with TMZ Sports about his son’s role on the Hornets, coming in off the bench for Devonte’ Graham, and he says the 19-year-old isn’t happy about it despite not showing it on the outside.
“My thing is he ain’t happy with that, but he ain’t go show that,” Ball said. “If I train you to be the best and always been starting all your life — here is what they don’t get. My boys are not freakin’ role players! They superstars! Let them do what they do!”
Ball was never going to beat out Graham for the team’s starting point guard position. Graham is in his third season with the Hornets and averaged a career-high 18.2 points per game last season.
In 15 games this season, Ball is averaging 11.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game while shooting 40.4% from the field and 32.4% from deep. The numbers are good off the bench, though Graham provides a more steady option as the team’s starter.
LaVar also told TMZ Sports that LaMelo and his other two sons, Lonzo and LiAngelo, could team up and “dominate” the NBA together, which is an interesting statement given the fact LiAngelo can’t make an NBA team’s roster.
It’s a long season, and LaMelo will eventually get his shot to be Charlotte’s starter. He’ll just have to remain patient. After all, he is a rookie.
