The Charlotte Hornets faced the Los Angeles Lakers tonight. In the first battle between LeBron James and LaMelo Ball, the Lakers star dominated the game and carried the Lakers to a win.

Just one day before the game, Ball told reporters how he is not excited to face LeBron. A lot of youngsters come into the league idolizing him, so their first game against him is always a big deal for them. But Ball isn’t like the rest. Later, his father, LaVar, explained why LaMelo has this mindset.

He said, “When he’s playing basketball, he’ll play against your mama. He doesn’t look at it like who am I playing against. His competition is basketball, and it’s just a game of entertainment. That’s what he does. So it’s not a big deal (to play against LeBron), it doesn’t matter.

“He’ll show mad love and respect in and after the game. But he’s not going to be in awe. How you going to be in awe of another man when your daddy is LaVar Ball.”

LeBron James gets the better of LaMelo Ball in their first encounter

Despite the Lakers battling multiple injury problems, they were able to overcome the dangerous Hornets following a masterclass from LeBron. He had his eighth 30-point game of the season, as he led the Lakers to a narrow win. On the other hand, Ball struggled to get going and was unable to help his team win.

The Hornets struck the lottery for the second time when they drafted Ball with their third pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. After being touted to go number one in multiple mock drafts, team needs saw him drop. So, they pounced on the opportunity and selected him.

After being criticized for their off-season planning, the Hornets are going beyond expectations so far. They are fifth in the Eastern Conference standings currently. They haven’t finished in the top five since 2001-02 when they were fourth, and this could be an amazing achievement if they are able to hold on to their position.

Ball has been crucial in their success so far. He is already their best playmaker and is also developing his scoring skills at Charlotte. He is the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award and is on his way to become the first Hornets rookie to win it since Emeka Okafor won it in 2004-05.

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