The Charlotte Hornets are sick and tired of being one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference, and they want to change that in 2025-26.

Because of that, they will turn to LaMelo Ball and ask more of him.

“Among the things to keep an eye out for in 2025-26: LaMelo Ball’s leadership. As the face of the franchise and the team’s highest paid player, there are certain responsibilities that come with that, and the Hornets want to see Ball take a leap in becoming more of a leader,” Rod Boone reported.

The Charlotte Hornets want LaMelo Ball to become a better leader, per @rodboone

“Among the things to keep an eye out for in 2025-26: LaMelo Ball’s leadership. As the face of the franchise and the team’s highest paid player, there are certain responsibilities that come with… pic.twitter.com/RejEsbtdjV

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 21, 2025

Ball is about to start his sixth season in the NBA, and Hornets fans hope it’s one that finally sees the team turning around.

Last year, Ball posted 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 7.4 assists on 40.5 percent from the field.

Sadly, he only played in 47 games because of injuries.

Physical problems have been a repeated issue throughout his career, and that will need to change if he is going to accept this role as team leader.

Ball is a young man with plenty of room for growth, despite how good he already is.

It’s now time for him to prove that he can reach the next level of his development and lead instead of only scoring.

It’s fair to ask what will happen if that doesn’t occur in the new season.

If Ball doesn’t take a leap forward and the Hornets still dwell toward the bottom of the standings when the year comes to an end, there will be many questions about his skills and abilities, and his future in Charlotte.

The Hornets likely won’t give up on Ball, but their demands from him will only grow.

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