LaMelo Ball, Forced to Choose Between the Devil and the Deep Sea, Couldn’t Side With His Own Father vs Michael Jordan in 2020: “It’s My Pops and My Boss”

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball came into the league on the back of a lot of publicity owing mostly to his father, LaVar. LaMelo had the weight of the world on his shoulders as he was seen as the savior of the floundering Hornets franchise. Despite his father pushing him into the limelight at every given opportunity, LaMelo settled into the NBA extremely well. However, he couldn’t evade the obvious questions during his introductory press conference pitting his father LaVar against the Hornets owner, Michael Jordan. LaMelo answered the question diplomatically as he was put in a difficult situation. “It’s my pops and my boss, so I’m on both sides now,” LaMelo said.

Despite the fact that the comparison was between arguably the basketball GOAT and someone who didn’t even play in the NBA, LaMelo didn’t want to go against his father. However, he did clear things up.  He said, “I don’t think it’s going to happen and then I think we know how it would turn out to be honest.”

Michael Jordan vs LaVar Ball

LaVar Ball, the outspoken father of Lonzo, LaMelo, and LiAngelo, had made huge claims about beating the 6x NBA champion in a one-on-one game on live TV. This not only left the audience in splits but the whole world was left stunned by LaVar’s level of nonchalance. Pitting yourself against the NBA GOAT is one thing, but doing so when you haven’t ever played an NBA game is a different level of self-assurance.

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Meanwhile, Jordan wasn’t worried at all about this challenge. He went as far as to say that he would beat LaVar even if he was playing ‘one-legged‘. There is little doubt as to who would eventually come out on top if they ever plan to go head-to-head.

LaMelo Ball has given some hope to the Hornets fanbase

The Hornets can be considered one of the worst NBA franchises of this century. Ball’s arrival in Charlotte certainly helped change the mood around the city. His electric plays lit up the crowd and he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2021.

Ball’s performances improved even further in 2021-22 and he was named as an All-Star reserve. He helped the Hornets finish with a winning record for the first time in six years. However, that wasn’t enough as they were knocked out in the Play-In game.

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This season has started off terribly for the Hornets. Ball’s injury concerns have played a big role in the team’s performances. They currently sit 14th in the East, 9 games behind the Play-In spot. It may prove to be another Playoff-less season for the Hornets.