LaMelo Ball has stated his relief that Bam Adebayo was not more seriously injured after their recent incident. The Hornets point guard tripped the Heat center, resulting in a lower back injury for Adebayo during their play-in game. The incident occurred early in the second quarter of the Hornets’ overtime win against Miami.
The NBA investigated the play following the game. They ruled it a flagrant foul 2 and fined Ball $35,000 for the foul. Ball also received a $25,000 fine for using profanity in a postgame interview. He was not suspended for a subsequent play-in game.
Ball’s Apology and Concern for Adebayo
Ball expressed concern before the Hornets’ game. He stated he would try to apologise and wanted to ensure Adebayo was okay. According to Ball, nobody wants to see anyone hurt in the league. Knowing Adebayo is alright has eased his mind.
Adebayo was injured with 10:58 remaining in the second quarter. He did not return to the game, which ended Miami’s season.
Ball said that he would seek out Adebayo and apologise. Adebayo said he had yet to talk to Ball.
Attempts to Connect After the Game
Ball said that he tried to speak with Adebayo after the game. He waited by Adebayo’s locker room and spoke with the security guard. Ball said he was told Adebayo was in the shower, and given the loss, it wasn’t the best time to approach him. Ball said he gave Adebayo his space, and Adebayo would get with him.
Footage has emerged from a prior Heat-Hornets game in January 2024 showing Ball grabbing at Adebayo’s leg while he was sitting on the floor. Adebayo was running past him up court at the time.
Ball maintains he had no bad intentions. He said there is no history between him and Adebayo.
Coaches React to the Incident
Following the play-in game, Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra described the play as dangerous and dirty. However, Spoelstra later stated that he did not believe Ball needed further punishment after the NBA’s ruling.
Spoelstra told reporters in Miami that he doesn’t think Ball is a dirty player. He added that it was a dirty and dangerous play that should have been penalised at the time.
Ball said, “It’s all basketball,” and that he feels Adebayo understands this. He added that they have never had any issues and that he doesn’t have issues with anyone, stating his intention is to go out and play basketball.