WATCH: LaMelo Ball Goes At LeBron James With Stepback J

LeBron James faced off against LaMelo Ball tonight. The Hornets rookie has been lighting up the NBA this season and is considered the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year. James, on the other hand, has been playing some of the best basketball of his career and is an MVP favorite. But it was LaMelo Ball who fired the initial shot of their first encounter.

LaMelo faces of against LeBron James

During the Charlotte Hornets‘ game against the LA Lakers, LeBron James was focused on guarding LaMelo Ball, who decided to show LeBron James why he is the Rookie of the Year favorite.

LaMelo went at LeBron before stepping back and banking a beautiful jump shot in the face of James. It was a special play from a young man who has been lighting up the NBA this season.

LaMelo sparked headlines with his recent comments on LeBron James. When asked whether he was looking forward to facing James, Ball gave a surprising answer.

LaMelo said that he didn’t have any excitement about facing James because he didn’t grow up being a huge fan of basketball, so he didn’t really find playing against James to be a special moment.

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For the season, LaMelo Ball has been putting up excellent numbers so far. He is currently averaging 15 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds for the season.

Many analysts believe that Ball is the undisputed favorite to win the NBA Rookie of the Year trophy. There is almost no rookie that is posting the numbers that LaMelo has been.

LeBron playing at MVP level

James has been one of the best players in the NBA this season. He is currently an MVP front runner this year, averaging 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.

King James has been carrying the Los Angeles Lakers recently after Anthony Davis suffered an injury. Despite Davis’ absence, James has been playing fantastic basketball this season.

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Can LeBron James win the MVP this season? He is chasing his fifth MVP title this year, which would tie him with Michael Jordan for second most MVP titles.

Furthermore, James is also looking to become one of the oldest players to win the MVP title. A lot of players are playing at an MVP level this season, so James will have to be a standout by the end of this season.