Top News

Family stands with each other, and family understands every move. The same goes with the Ball family. As they are known for supporting each other, LiAngelo Ball defends his brother, LaMelo Ball , as he faces backlash from critics over a foul on Heat star Bam Adebayo .

Of course, the NBA intervened and punished LaMelo with a massive fine. Later, the Hornets star apologized, but LiAngelo believes that his brother is one of the most misunderstood players in the league, and what he does on court for the team has never been easy. Certainly, LaMelo has been one of the standout stars in the NBA, and he has been consistent in his games over the years. But things happen, and in the heat of the game, it might not look good for a player.

LiAngelo Ball supports his brother LaMelo Ball after NBA punishment

The National Basketball Association fined LaMelo Ball a whopping $35,000 and upgraded his contact with Bam Adebayo to a Flagrant Foul 2, citing “unnecessary and reckless contact.” The league also asserted that he has created a “significant injury risk.” The moment drew strong words from Erik Spoelstra, who called it “a dirty play and a dangerous play,” while also noting he does not view Ball as a dirty player overall.

That context makes LiAngelo’s comments feel more pointed. Speaking recently to , he addressed a perception he believes has followed his younger brother for years. “People think his game is nonchalant or like think he’s not trying or something, but he has a smooth game,” he said, adding, “Like he’s been like that since a kid. Like his game come like naturally and smooth.”


For LiAngelo, the issue is not effort but how easily LaMelo makes difficult plays look routine. “The stuff he’s doing is actually very difficult and hard,” he continued. “I feel like he’s hitting one-legged threes from half court, spin moves, out of bounds, throwing it up, swishing. It’s game like that. So, I feel like a lot of people just underestimate that part of it.”

LaMelo Ball issued an apology to Heat star Bam Adebayo

After the game, Ball made it clear where his concern lies. “I tried to apologize and everything. Just look out for Bam, mainly make sure he’s OK. We don’t want nobody hurt in this league ever,” he said. “As long as he’s good, that helps my mind a little.”


He described waiting near the locker room to speak in person. “Whenever I see him, I’ll try to talk to him. After the game I tried to talk to him. I was waiting by his locker, talking to the security guard waiting for him. But he said he was in the shower and everything.

“It’s a tough game. You lose, you don’t really like talking to people. So I gave him his space.”

The Charlotte Hornets are fighting to extend their season, yet the conversation keeps circling back to one moment. Ball delivered on the court with a 30-point effort and a game-winner, but the incident continues to follow him.