NBA Fines LaMelo Ball For Reckless Foul, Postgame Profanity

LaMelo avoids suspension 

The NBA fined Hornets star LaMelo Ball $35,000 for “reckless” contact with Miami’s Bam Adebayo and another $25,000 for profanity in a postgame interview. Ball won’t be suspended and can play Charlotte’s play-in game vs Orlando Friday.

Hornets’ LaMelo Ball fined, not suspended for ‘reckless’ contact on Adebayo...

The NBA fined Charlotte guard LaMelo Ball $35,000 Wednesday for “unnecessary and reckless contact” with Miami’s Bam Adebayo during the Hornets’ play-in win over the Heat.

A day after Charlotte eliminated Miami from the play-in with a 127-126 overtime win, Ball was fined and handed a flagrant 2 foul for the disputed play early in the second quarter.

After his shot was blocked, Ball hit the floor and grabbed Adebayo’s foot, causing the Heat center to fall hard to the court.

Adebayo left the game limping, and Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was furious that officials didn’t eject Ball.

“I think it's a stupid play. It's a dangerous play,” Spoelstra said after the game. “I don't think that belongs in the game. Tripping guys, shenanigans. Someone has got to see that. And he should have been thrown out of the game for that.”

Ball was not ejected and went on to hit the game-winning shot. The league confirmed he won’t face suspension for Charlotte’s decisive second play-in matchup.

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/vhFHtYQhv1

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 16, 2026

The Hornets will host the Orlando Magic on Friday with the Eastern Conference eighth seed on the line, and a first-round playoff series against top-seeded Detroit at stake.

After the game, Ball apologized and said he had taken a blow to the head and “didn’t know where I was.” He received an additional $25,000 fine for using profane language during a live postgame television interview.