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Magic Hornets Basketball
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball celebrates after scoring against the Orlando Magic during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Head coach Charles Lee left no doubt about his offseason expectations from Charlotte Hornets cornerstone point guard LaMelo Ball.
“He’s got to get stronger,” Lee said Monday following the team’s exit interviews.
Opposing teams regularly stepped up their defensive pressure on Ball this season, trying to get the 6-foot-7, 190-pounder off his game by being extra physical and using hand and body checks on the perimeter and bodying him up on the way to the basket.