Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball experienced an unusual and alarming collision with assistant coach Charles Lee during Monday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The incident occurred early in the first quarter while both Ball and Lee rushed to secure a loose ball near the Hornets’ bench.
As Ball attempted to recover a poor pass from teammate Miles Bridges, Lee also reached for the ball, resulting in their heads striking each other. Ball stayed on the ground for several moments before being helped off the court and taken to the locker room for evaluation.
Reactions from Fans and Return to Play
The sideline collision quickly gained attention on social media, where many fans expressed concern and debated the cause of the incident. Some Hornets supporters criticized Lee for actively going after a live ball, which they believed put their star player at unnecessary risk.
“Charles Lee did it on purpose because he hates LaMelo!!!” one fan tweeted. – Fan
Despite worries from onlookers, Ball returned to the court in the second quarter with a reported laceration above his right eye. The incident raised alarms due to Ball’s past injury struggles, but he continued to contribute to the team’s effort following his recovery break.
LaMelo Ball’s Performance and Team Impact
LaMelo Ball played a crucial role in the Hornets’ 102-95 victory over the Pelicans. He tallied 24 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, although his shooting was inconsistent, hitting 8-of-20 overall and only 3-of-14 from three-point range. Ball’s presence was vital in maintaining the team’s momentum despite the unsettling collision earlier.
Hornets Achieve Longest Winning Streak in a Decade
With this win, the Charlotte Hornets extended their longest winning streak in nearly 10 years to seven games. The franchise’s last similar streak occurred in March 2016, which coincided with their most recent playoff appearance.
The Hornets have shown strong performances recently, fueled in part by Ball’s increased availability and leadership on the court. Over the span of their winning run, Charlotte boasts the NBA’s top offensive rating of 123.1, showcasing an effective and efficient attack.
As of Monday, the Hornets improved their season record to 23-28, winning eight of their last ten games. They now sit just one game behind the Atlanta Hawks for the Eastern Conference’s final play-in tournament spot, making their continued success crucial in the tightly contested standings.
LaMelo Ball went down after he and his HC Charles Lee collided while both going for a loose ball 😳
Hope he's OK 🙏 pic.twitter.com/0AWflyO52z
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 2, 2026
