Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee emphasized the need for point guard LaMelo Ball to increase his strength during the offseason, citing the physical challenges Ball faced from opponents this season. Teams targeted Ball defensively, aiming to disrupt his game with aggressive tactics. Despite early struggles with fouls, Ball's defense improved over the season. Lee stressed the importance of Ball's physical conditioning to handle the demands of both offense and defense effectively in the league.
Ball, who averaged 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game this season, acknowledged the importance of strength training. His injury history, limiting his appearances in past seasons, remains a concern for the Hornets. General manager Jeff Peterson highlighted Ball's competitiveness and commitment to staying healthy for the upcoming season. Despite recent surgeries, Peterson expressed confidence in Ball's readiness for training camp and the next season, noting his All-Star caliber performance and unique abilities on the court.