Wild LaMelo Ball Prediction Could Completely Shift Power in Western Conference
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The NBA is currently in the midst of the postseason, but the offseason is quickly approaching. Once it does, there is going to be an arms race for teams to alter rosters in the hopes of competing for a title next season.
More NBA news: Rich Paul Breaks Silence on LeBron James Remaining With Lakers
One team that could play a big role in how the offseason shakes out is the Charlotte Hornets. Charlotte has missed the postseason nine straight years, but they have a few players who could be on the move this summer.
The Hornets are led by star LaMelo Ball, but the team hasn't gone anywhere. This has many around the league thinking that Ball could be traded this summer if the right deal presents itself.
Well, Chicago Bulls star guard Lonzo, LaMelo's brother, gave a wild prediction on his brother, predicting that he would be traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
"I lowkey got Dylan Harper going to the Hornets. And I got Melo going to the Clips."
🎙️ Lonzo Ball on @TheWAEShow:
"I lowkey got Dylan Harper going to the Hornets. And I got Melo going to the Clips." 🤨 pic.twitter.com/B3ocweyzTS — r/CharlotteHornets on Reddit (@HornetsReddit) May 16, 2025
If LaMelo were traded to the Clippers, it would completely change the structure of power in the Western Conference. LaMelo had a career year before injuries took over, as he averaged 25.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
Los Angeles was the No. 5 seed in the West this year and entered the postseason as a sleeper team for the NBA Finals. While the Clippers did get eliminated in the first round, adding a talent like LaMelo could change it all.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 30: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts in the second quarter during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Spectrum Center on October 30, 2024 in Charlotte, North...
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 30: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts in the second quarter during their game against the Toronto Raptors at Spectrum Center on October 30, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. More
Photo byPutting LaMelo alongside James Harden and Kawhi Leonard would give the Clippers a legitimate star trio. The biggest obstacle would be figuring out how to play with Harden and LaMelo both needing the ball.
But the Clippers could also allow Harden to walk this summer since he can enter free agency. There have already been reports about Harden opting out of his deal with the Clippers.
Read more: James Harden Reportedly Expected to Opt Out of Clippers Contract
It remains to be seen how Los Angeles will handle Harden, but many expect him to return to the team after a successful year. The Clippers have multiple routes that they can explore this summer, but Lonzo may know something with this prediction.
More NBA news:
Timberwolves' Jaden McDaniels Offers Blunt Reason For Hard Fouls on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Knicks Have Major Silver Lining Despite 2-0 Deficit to Pacers
Warriors General Manager Seemingly Hints at Plan For Jonathan Kuminga's Future
For more Hornets, Clippers, and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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