Entering Friday’s NBA Play-In action between the Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic, the former team is fortunate to have its star guard, LaMelo Ball, available to them after a rocky first game.
During the first Eastern Conference Play-In game, Ball was seen contributing to a hard fall from Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo. After Ball grabbed at the big man’s leg, Adebayo ended up falling and leaving the game early to get checked out.
The Miami Heat ruled out Adebayo for the remainder of the game. Since the play wasn’t reviewed, Ball was not hit with any technical fouls or ejections.
When the NBA reviewed the play after the Hornets defeated the Heat to knock them out of playoff contention, the league fined Ball.
NBA’s Official LaMelo Ball Announcement
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – APRIL 10: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets brings the ball down the court during the second half of a basketball game against the Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center on April 10, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
“Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined $35,000 and assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 upon league office review for making unnecessary and reckless contact with Miami Heat center-forward Bam Adebayo that created a significant injury risk, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
…Ball has been fined an additional $25,000 for using profane language during a live postgame television interview.”
After Tuesday’s game against the Heat, Ball publicly apologized for the incident in a room full of reporters. The star guard confirmed that he attempted to connect with Adebayo after the game to issue a personal apology, but he was unsuccessful.
“I tried to apologize and everything and just look for Bam,” Ball told reporters on Friday morning. “Mainly make sure he’s okay. We don’t want nobody hurt in this league ever. So, as long as he’s good it’s helping my mind a little, you know what I’m saying? Whenever I see him, I’ll try to talk to him.”
LaMelo Ball’s History With NBA Fines
MIAMI, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 28: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball past Davion Mitchell #45 of the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on October 28, 2025 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
This week’s fine was not the first for LaMelo Ball.
There were three different incidents that occurred since November 2024.
Ball’s first fine was due to offensive and derogatory language. It was a massive bill for $100,000. That punishment remains his most notable to date.
In October 2025, Ball landed a $35,000 fine for making an “obscene gesture” towards a referee following a foul call. At the time of the incident, Ball was hit with a technical foul. After further review, the fine was added.
The NBA Play-In incident generated a $35,000 fine for Ball. Then his postgame comments added another $25,000 for the night.
Since Ball is in the midst of a massive five-year, $203.8 million deal, the latest wave of fines won’t hurt much. His salary for the season is set at $37.9 million.
Considering the way everything played out, Ball is fortunate to dodge a suspension. He will be on the court for the 7:30 PM ET tip against Orlando on Friday.