Charlotte, N.C., February 3, 2026
LaMelo Ball sustained a laceration above his right eye from a collision with Coach Charles Lee but quickly returned to help the Hornets secure a comeback win over the Pelicans. Despite trailing by 22 points, the Hornets rallied to a 102-95 victory, marking their seventh consecutive win. Ball’s resilience and leadership played a crucial role in the team’s impressive performance, extending their winning streak and solidifying their playoff hopes.
Charlotte, N.C.
LaMelo Ball Sustains Eye Laceration in Collision with Coach, Returns to Lead Hornets to Seventh Straight Win
Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball sustained a gash above his right eye following an unexpected collision with head coach Charles Lee during the first quarter of Monday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite the early scare, Ball was able to return to the court, ultimately contributing significantly to the Hornets’ dramatic 102-95 comeback victory at Spectrum Center, marking their seventh consecutive win.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
The unusual incident occurred early in the first quarter as Ball pursued an errant pass from teammate Miles Bridges, which was heading out of bounds near the Hornets’ bench. Simultaneously, Coach Lee also moved to intercept the loose ball, leading to an accidental head-to-head collision between the player and the coach. Both individuals fell to the floor, causing a temporary hush in the arena and concern among fans and team staff.
Ball remained on the ground for several minutes while being attended to by trainers. He then exited the game and headed to the locker room for immediate evaluation, holding a towel over his right eye. Coach Lee also held his head following the impact. Medical assessment confirmed that Ball suffered a laceration above his right eye. Fortunately, he was cleared of a major injury such as a concussion and returned to the bench a few minutes later, re-entering the game within the same quarter.
Coach’s Reaction and Team’s Performance
Following the game, Coach Charles Lee expressed regret over the collision, indicating he felt “foolish” for his role in the incident. He explained that he believed the ball was going out of bounds and intended to save it from the stands, not realizing Ball was also attempting to retrieve it. Lee acknowledged Ball’s competitive spirit, noting the player’s immediate desire to return to the game after being cleaned up.
The Hornets faced a significant challenge early in the game, trailing the Pelicans by as many as 22 points. However, fueled by Ball’s resilience and a strong team effort, Charlotte mounted an impressive comeback. Ball finished the game with 24 points, leading the team’s offensive charge. Kon Knueppel added 17 points, including four three-pointers, while Brandon Miller and Grant Williams each contributed 16 points. The victory extended Charlotte’s winning streak to seven games, a feat they haven’t achieved since March 2016. This win brings them within half a game of the Atlanta Hawks for the tenth spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
LaMelo Ball’s Season and Injury History
LaMelo Ball has been a critical component of the Hornets’ recent success. This season, the one-time All-Star is averaging 19 points and 7.6 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 40.6% from the field and 36.9% from beyond the arc. Despite these solid numbers, this marks his lowest scoring season since his rookie year. The team has been working to manage his minutes, sometimes bringing him off the bench, to help prevent injuries and maximize his effectiveness on the court.
Ball’s career has been significantly impacted by a history of injuries, a well-documented source of frustration for both the player and the team. His past ailments include multiple ankle sprains, a right ankle fracture in 2023, and a right wrist fracture during his rookie season in 2021. He often wears ankle braces to provide additional support. The recent head injury, though minor, briefly reignited concerns about his durability, especially given his prior injury struggles.
The Hornets’ current health and strong offensive performance, particularly during this recent win streak, highlight Ball’s importance to the team’s playoff aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to LaMelo Ball during the recent game?
Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball sustained a gash above his right eye following an unexpected collision with head coach Charles Lee during the first quarter of Monday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
When did the collision involving LaMelo Ball occur?
The collision occurred on Monday, February 2, 2026, during the first quarter of the Charlotte Hornets’ game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
What was the extent of LaMelo Ball’s injury?
LaMelo Ball suffered a laceration above his right eye but was cleared of a major injury such as a concussion and was able to return to the game.
How did the collision happen?
The incident occurred when both LaMelo Ball and Coach Charles Lee simultaneously moved to intercept an errant pass heading out of bounds near the Hornets’ bench, resulting in a head-to-head collision.
What was Coach Charles Lee’s reaction to the collision?
Coach Charles Lee expressed feeling ‘foolish’ about his role in the collision, explaining he misjudged the play while trying to save the ball.
Did LaMelo Ball continue playing after the injury?
Yes, after a brief evaluation in the locker room, LaMelo Ball returned to the game in the first quarter and contributed significantly to the Hornets’ victory.
What are LaMelo Ball’s season statistics?
This season, LaMelo Ball is averaging 19 points and 7.6 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 40.6% from the field and 36.9% from three-point range.
What is the Charlotte Hornets’ current winning streak?
The Charlotte Hornets secured their seventh consecutive victory with the win against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Player Involved | LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets Point Guard) | Team-level |
| Other Party Involved | Charles Lee (Charlotte Hornets Head Coach) | Team-level |
| Date of Incident | Monday, February 2, 2026 | Event-specific |
| Location of Incident | Spectrum Center, Charlotte, N.C. | City-level |
| Injury Sustained | Laceration above LaMelo Ball’s right eye | Individual-level |
| Return to Play | Yes, in the same quarter | Individual-level |
| Game Result | Hornets defeated Pelicans 102-95 | Team-level |
| Hornets’ Winning Streak | Seven consecutive victories | Team-level |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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