LaMelo Ball apologizes for Bam Adebayo trip that led to injury
Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball came through in the clutch during overtime to extend his team’s season with a win over the Miami Heat , 127-126, in the NBA Play-In Tournament with a game-winning shot. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only noteworthy moment of the game for Ball. In the first half, Ball and Heat star Bam Adebayo were tangled up, with video replay showing Ball reached out and tripped Adebayo by grabbing his foot.
WATCH: Erik Spoelstra rips LaMelo Ball for tripping Heat star Bam Adebayo Adebayo suffered a lower-back injury on the play and was unable to return to the game. After the game, Ball spoke to the media and apologized for the play, saying the trip was unintentional. "I apologize on that one.
I got hit in the head, didn't really know where I was, but I'mma check on him and see if he's okay and everything. " —LaMelo Ball on the play that led to Bam Adebayo leaving the game. pic.
twitter. com/79VIG5kuMK — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 15, 2026 “I apologize on that one,” Ball told reporters. “I got hit in the head, didn’t really know where I was, but I’mma check on him and see if he’s okay and everything.
” After the play, Ball was widely criticized on social media for the “dirty play. ” Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra also sounded off on the incident, saying, “I don’t think it’s cute. I don’t think it’s funny.