Let’s start with two facts. LaMelo Ball signed a five-year, $203 million contract, and LaMelo is an awful, reckless driver. Lucky for him, money can solve this issue.

I remember in the early stages of the LaMelo Ball era, videos would constantly surface of him running red lights and driving recklessly around Charlotte. Every time one popped up, you couldn’t help but think the same thing: when is this going to catch up to him? Based on his habits, it always felt less like if and more like when.

On Wednesday, Ball crashed his 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1, and footage circulating online appears to show another case of reckless driving. It was rumored that teammate Brandon Miller showed up to pick him up afterward in a $250K Lambo SUV. The biggest issue here is the repeated pattern showing that he has not matured on the road, putting himself and others in harm's way.

After the Charlotte Hornets’ 105–101 loss to the Houston Rockets, LaMelo Ball was asked about his recent car accident and responded briefly, saying, “He’s blessed, God is great,” before walking out mid-interview, offering no further explanation and making it clear he didn’t want to address the situation further.

At some point, pride has to take a backseat. There is zero reason for unnecessary risk when hiring a driver is an easy solution. The next time could be far worse for him or for someone else. For the Hornets and the city, it may be time for LaMelo to hand over the keys. Especially with the success the Hornets are having this season, why continue to risk this?

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