NBA Opens Inquiry Into LaMelo Ball’s Trip That Injured Bam Adebayo
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The NBA has launched an investigation into LaMelo Ball’s second-quarter trip that sent Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo crashing to the floor during Tuesday’s play-in matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and the Heat in Charlotte, according to league sources.
Charlotte edged Miami 127-126 in overtime, with Ball converting the decisive layup with 4.7 seconds remaining. Adebayo exited after 11 minutes with a lower-back injury sustained on the tripping play and did not return.
Sources said the league has reached out to both organizations and intends to interview Ball. The incident could be upgraded to a Flagrant 1 or Flagrant 2, though a suspension is considered unlikely.
Details of the play
The sequence occurred early in the second quarter. After Ball had a shot blocked in the paint, Adebayo secured the rebound near the baseline. Ball, who had fallen, swiped at Adebayo’s foot, causing the Heat star to fall hard. No foul was called, and play continued until Miami called timeout with 10:58 left in the period.
Reactions from both sides
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra criticized the non-call, saying Ball “should have been ejected” for what he termed “a dangerous play.”
Ball apologized twice in his postgame comments. “I got hit in the head and didn’t really know where I was,” he said. “I’m going to check on him, see if he’s OK.”
Lead official Zach Zarba told a pool reporter the crew was unable to review the action because play was never stopped immediately after the contact. Under league rules, the window to initiate a review closed once possession changed and a timeout was granted.
What’s next
The Hornets will face the loser of Wednesday night’s Philadelphia 76ers–Orlando Magic play-in game on Friday. Adebayo’s status for any future contests remains uncertain.
Following Tuesday’s game, footage resurfaced of a January 14, 2024 meeting in which Ball, while on the floor, appeared to reach for Adebayo’s leg as the Heat center began running upcourt.
Source: ESPN
