Ball ‘Blessed’ After Crash, Stars for Hornets

Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball said he feels “blessed” after taking to the court just one day after being involved in a car accident in North Carolina.

The 24-year-old featured in the Hornets’ 105-101 defeat to the Houston Rockets, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

“I’m alive and blessed,” Ball said postgame. “God is great.”

Accident in Charlotte

Ball’s custom-made Hummer was involved in a collision with an oncoming vehicle in Charlotte on Wednesday. Reports indicate the front-left tyre of his vehicle detached during the crash.

Fortunately, no serious injuries were sustained by anyone involved.

Police attended the scene, and Ball was later seen leaving the area in another vehicle.

“Fortunately everybody is cool, so blessings,” he added.

Back on the Court

Despite the incident occurring less than 24 hours earlier, Ball was available for selection and logged significant minutes against Houston.

While Charlotte fell short, Ball’s ability to play so soon after the accident was a major relief for the franchise and its supporters.

The former third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft has been central to the Hornets’ rebuild in recent seasons.

Ball’s Career So Far

Since entering the league, Ball has quickly established himself as one of the NBA’s most dynamic young guards:

• 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year

• 2022 NBA All-Star selection

• Key playmaker and franchise cornerstone for Charlotte

In November 2024, Ball was fined $100,000 by the NBA for making an offensive comment during a courtside interview — the maximum penalty permitted under league guidelines.