Just when you thought he was gone, LaVar Ball is back with another steaming hot take for the NBA community.
The father of Charlotte Hornets star point guard LaMelo Ball took to social media, delivering a resounding message for the Los Angeles Clippers to “quit playing” and trade for the 24-year-old.
LaVar has never been one to let social media—or the basketball world—silence him from speaking on the direction of his son’s career. His latest video ties into recent reports suggesting LaMelo is unhappy with his situation in Charlotte and has requested a trade, though NBA insider Jake Fischer reported Friday morning that these rumors are false.
"If you want a championship, listen to me," Ball said. "I'm making it very easy... What I do tell you, if you put him with his brother, he will go to his original spot, which is the two. Y'all try to make him a two anyway. He loves to score. But the only person he'll move over from the one spot is his brother, Lonzo.
"Get Lonzo and Melo and Gelo. Can't nobody beat my three boys playing fast."
"So the Clippers, bring them goddang Ball boys home and let's go get this championship and quit messing around," Ball continued. "All you fans who want a championship back in L.A., yes, whole new arena with the Ball boys, who ain't going to come watch that show?"
LaVar Ball continues to push for the LA Clippers to “quit playing” and trade for LaMelo Ball:
— APHoops (@APH00PS) June 16, 2025
“The Clippers! Bring those god damn Ball boys home and let’s go get this championship and quit messing around. All you fans who want a championship back in LA. Yes! Whole new arena with… pic.twitter.com/LHOWyts6G2
Unfortunately for LaVar, the Clippers aren’t exactly in a position of power. They’ve struggled mightily to open the season, holding a 4–11 record and going just 1–9 over their last 10 games. Los Angeles currently sits 12th in the Western Conference while battling several injuries, including Bradley Beal and Derrick Jones Jr.
As for what the Clippers could realistically offer, any potential deal likely wouldn’t meet Charlotte’s expectations. Los Angeles owns just nine draft picks through 2032 and has most of its salary cap tied up in James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. The draft capital alone wouldn’t match Ball’s value, and the Clippers don’t have a corresponding player who fits Charlotte’s long-term plans.
For now, the Hornets have little interest in entertaining any rumors. Their focus remains on developing the current roster.
Ball is averaging 21.6 points and 9.6 assists, though he has appeared in only nine of the team's 15 games so far. The Hornets have also seen promising strides from rookies Kon Knueppel and Ryan Kalkbrenner, helping them stay competitive against some of the league’s top teams.
Whether Ball eventually gets traded—whether by choice or circumstance—remains a storyline to watch. But for now, LaVar will have to keep hoping from afar, because it doesn’t appear his prayers will be answered anytime soon.
More Hornets news:
- NBA insider: 'Hornets not looking to move LaMelo Ball anytime soon'
- LaMelo Ball refutes report that he wants to be traded with one emoji
- Why finding a suitable trade for LaMelo Ball could be easier said than done for Hornets
- Grizzlies, Heat, Nets among possible trade destinations for LaMelo Ball