LaMelo Ball Returns To Hornets Lineup After Six Weeks

LaMelo Ball is expected to appear in his first NBA game since November 26 when the Hornets face the Spurs on January 12. Ball was sidelined by a recurring right ankle injury. The same injury restricted him to 33 games last season. The Hornets have lost 17 of the 20 games that Ball has missed so far this season. In 15 games so far this season, Ball is averaging a career-best 24.7 points, along with 5.5 rebounds and 8.2 assists.

The Hornets are 8-27 this season, placing them third-worst in the Eastern Conference. Injuries have been the story of the Hornets, stymying any attempt at building off a season that saw them earn the second-overall pick in last year’s draft. Heading into the matchup against San Antonio, the Hornets are on a three-game losing streak. Furthermore, they have won just one of their last 15 games.

Read More: Donovan Mitchell Wants To Play With LeBron James At The Olympics

LaMelo Ball Sued By Big Baller Brand Co-Founder

However, injuries aren’t the only thing that Ball has had to contend with this season. In November 2023, Ball, along with PUMA, were named in a lawsuit. The Ball family were sued by Alan Foster, the co-founder of Big Baller Brand. Foster claims that he was integral to the early success of the Ball Family sneaker brand and lost out on millions of dollars when patriarch LaVar ousted Foster by creating a new BBB entity. Amongst his claims, Foster alleges to have been the mastermind, and trademark owner, for LaMelo’s first signature show, the MB1. Furthermore, Foster named PUMA in the suit. He stated that the MB.01 shoe the company developed for LaMelo infringed on his trademark.

“LaMelo was instrumental in creating his first signature shoe with Big Baller Brand. He was fully aware of the existence of the LaMelo Trademarks — he helped design them. He knew that his Big Baller Brand signature shoe was called the ‘MB1’ and that the name was protected by federal trademark. Yet, despite his knowledge of all of this, LaMelo willfully and deliberately chose to name the signature shoe he created and designed with PUMA the ‘MB1’ in violation of the LaMelo Trademarks,” Foster wrote in the suit. He is reportedly seeking $200 million in damages. Furthermore, Foster has previously sued, and been sued by, the Ball family.

Read More: LaMelo Ball Ruins A Perfectly Good Watch

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LaMelo Ball Signature Sneaker Holiday Gift Guide

In just a short amount of time, LaMelo Ball has made a huge impression on NBA fans. Overall, he is a fantastic point guard who has a chance to do some big things with the Hornets. Furthermore, he has his very own signature shoe with Puma. Once you get your own signature, you find yourself a cut above the rest. With the Holidays around the corner, we have decided to have a look at some of the best LaMelo signatures you can buy.

Puma MB.02 “Nickelodeon Slime”

PUMA LaMelo Ball MB.02 "Nickelodeon Slime"
Image via Stadium Goods

Firstly, we got this gorgeous Puma MB.02 called “Nickelodeon Slime.” Overall, this is a shoe that is covered in numerous shades of green. For the most part, this is a shoe meant to activate your nostalgia. However, it also contains some great elements that bring the whole sneaker together. This is something that will make you stand out on the basketball court. Not to mention, they help accentuate your personality.

Puma MB.01 “LaMelo Ball – Buzz City”

PUMA MB.01 "LaMelo Ball - Buzz City"
Image via Stadium Goods

Secondly, we have the Puma MB.01 with the “Buzz City” color scheme. The goal of this model should be pretty obvious to anyone wearing it. This is supposed to pay homage to the Charlotte Hornets. Overall, the shoe is mostly covered in black. Subsequently, we get a nice dose of electric blue which is a huge part of the Hornets look. If you are a fan of the team, these are an absolute must.

Puma MB.02 “Rick And Morty – Adventures”

PUMA MB.02 "Rick And Morty - Adventures"
Image via Stadium Goods

Next up, we have a shoe that is perfect for all of the Rick & Morty fans out there. Firstly, this Puma MB.02 has a green midsole. Furthermore, this green is placed at the front of the upper before doing a gradient swing into something purple. The black wings overlaid on top do a good job of adding some contrast here. These are colors that are synonymous with the show, so if you are a fan, then these kicks might just be a must-cop.

PUMA MB.01 “Desert Camo”

PUMA LaMelo Ball MB.01 "Desert Camo"
Image via Stadium Goods

The Puma MB.01 “Desert Camo” is certainly one of the coolest offerings to come out of Puma. Firstly, the shoe catches your attention with its orange midsole. From there, the entire upper is covered in, you guessed it, desert camo. It is a fantastic look and if you are a fan of these kinds of aesthetics on a basketball show, this just might be for you.

Puma MB.02 “Honeycomb”

PUMA MB.02 "Honeycomb"
Image via Stadium Goods

Lastly, we have this gorgeous “Honeycomb” rendition of the Puma MB.02. The all-over teal upper does wonder here and those hints of orange really give you that honeycomb feel. This is a shoe that is meant to make you feel like you actually play for the Hornets. It is a fun color scheme and again, it shows off LaMelo Ball and his vibrant personality.

Let us know which of these sneakers is your favorite, in the comments section below.

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