Hornets’ LaMelo Ball fined $60K, avoids suspension

April 15, 2026

Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined $35,000 for his trip of Heat forward Bam Adebayo during Charlotte’s overtime home win in the play-in game on Tuesday, the league announced.

But that’s not all. Ball also received a $25,000 fine for using profanity during the postgame interview. So, that’s 60,000 total.

On the bright side for Ball and the Hornets, there’s no suspension. So he can play in Friday’s win-or-go-home game against either Philadelphia or Orlando.

Adebayo went down hard in the second quarter after Ball appeared to grab his leg while falling to the floor. No foul was called, and Miami’s All-Star big man did not return due to a lower back injury.

Afterward, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t hold back.

“He should have been thrown out of the game for that,” Spoelstra said. “There is no place in the game for that.”

“I don’t think it’s cute, and I don’t think it’s funny,” he added. “I think it’s a stupid play. It’s a dangerous play.”

Ball, who finished with 30 points and hit the game-winner in the Hornets’ overtime win, said the contact wasn’t intentional.

“I apologize on that one,” Ball said. “I got hit in the head and didn’t really know where I was… I’m going to check on him.”