Charlotte Hornets coach Charles Lee took full responsibility for a head-on collision with star guard LaMelo Ball during a 102-95 win over New Orleans. The incident occurred when both dove for a loose ball near the bench, leaving Ball with a laceration above his eye.

Ball returned minutes later and delivered a strong performance, finishing with 26 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Lee called the play 'foolish' and praised Ball’s toughness and leadership in shaking off the injury to help secure the team's seventh straight victory.

The Hornets continue to surge without key contributors, relying on Ball's playmaking and resilience. His ability to bounce back from physical setbacks underscores his value as Charlotte pushes for a playoff position in the competitive Eastern Conference.