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A reunion years in the making? Trade talks could finally put Lonzo and LaMelo Ball on the same NBA roster.

Point guard Lonzo Ball ripped reporter and analyst Nick Wright for calling his brother LaMelo Ball a “clown” for his antics last night. The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Miami Heat in the first play-in game, but another major story from that game featured LaMelo causing a Bam Adebayo injury. Ball grabbing on Adebayo’s leg tripped him to cause the fall and rule the All-Star big man out for the rest of the game.

Wright used his First Things First talk show to criticize LaMelo for how he plays basketball. LaMelo’s big brother Lonzo replied with the following comments on social media:

“Nick Wright a bum!”

“Dip the truth on my momma”

“(Dudes) be running they mouth and never touched a rock”

“I usually let s**t slide but I’m on one today f**k it lol”

“Hornets in 7”

“ZO2 rant yall stay blessed”

Each tweet posted by Lonzo was directed towards Wright’s commentary and standing up for his younger brother. LaMelo is having the best season of his career and is one win away from making the playoffs. However, Wright and other NBA pundits are questioning the ethics of LaMelo after a play deemed dirty by many across the league. Lonzo felt it was necessary to defend his brother publicly today.

What Nick Wright Said About LaMelo Ball

The overall topic on Wright’s talk show focused on if Ball should have been ejected from last night’s game for his moment causing Adebayo’s injury. LaMelo was called out by all hosts and received the “immature” label.

Wright dropped the following quote that set off Lonzo:

“And I’m not sorry, and I don’t care if this gets clipped. That young man is a clown and has been a clown forever and will never not be a clown. You’re right about that part (pushback about being a clown forever by co-host Chris Broussard). What I do know is the way he conducts himself on the court and it would appear off the court is that of an immature coddled teenager.”

Many agree with Wright’s claims that LaMelo behaves like a clown on and off the court. However, it is easy to understand why Lonzo and others who have a good relationship with LaMelo would be offended by this statement.

Will Lonzo Ball Join Charlotte Next Year?

Lonzo had a difficult season with the Cleveland Cavaliers and failed to be a trusted backup point guard. Cleveland traded Ball to the Utah Jazz, but he was waived right there and didn’t receive another chance this season.

Injuries have caused Lonzo’s play to decline and no longer hold the upside he had entering the league as a top three draft pick. Lonzo is expected to get one more chance next season, but he’ll likely have to prove himself in training camp and preseason.

Some rumors have circulated about Charlotte potentially giving Lonzo the chance to back up his brother since Coby White often plays shooting guard more. Lonzo will have to earn a spot, but his comments rooting for the Hornets and backing up LaMelo this much publicly may be showing it’s his desire.