LaMelo Ball Laceration Scare, Returns For Hornets

LaMelo Ball left Monday’s game after a collision with Hornets coach Charles Lee and suffered what the team called "a laceration above his eye and will be available to return to the game." He returned to finish with 24 points in Charlotte’s win. Ball’s health is an ongoing story — he’s played under 50 games in each of the last three seasons and is at 41 of 51 this year while averaging 19.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.6 assists, his lowest scoring mark since rookie year. Merlin sees a club on a six-game roll that would rather build around its young star than move him now. Reporters note the Hornets are hopeful, "if only because it makes little sense to trade him now." A cut that heals fast is a relief, but durability will decide whether Charlotte keeps riding momentum or entertains offers.