If there's one thing you can count on, it's this: LaVar Ball is going to speak his mind. He's also going to defend his son.
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Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball found himself in the spotlight after a controversial play during a play-in game against the Miami Heat. The takedown of Bam Adebayo drew plenty of criticism, and while LaMelo wasn't ejected in the moment, the NBA later handed down a flagrant 2 and a fine.
That was just the start.
Nick Wright took things further, unloading on LaMelo during a TV segment and calling him a "clown" in blunt terms.
That didn't sit well with LaVar. Not even a little.
On his podcast, LaVar went right back at Wright, questioning why the focus shifted away from the game itself and getting personal in his response. The tone was exactly what you'd expect. Loud. Direct. No filter.
“That young man is a clown, and has been a clown forever and will never not be a clown.”😳
- Nick Wright on LaMelo pic.twitter.com/dkAvhqzHem
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 15, 2026
Vintage LaVar.
He didn't stop there either.
Erik Spoelstra also criticized LaMelo after the game, saying the play should have led to an ejection. That added another layer to the whole situation, especially since the Charlotte Hornets pulled out a narrow win.
LaVar Ball responds and goes off on Nick Wright for getting personal and calling his son LaMelo Ball a “clown,” and also calls out Erik Spoelstra for making excuses after losing to the Hornets. pic.twitter.com/8RdCfq8Rzn
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) April 16, 2026
So now, it's more than just one play. It's become a full-on back-and-forth.
And right in the middle of it, LaVar is doing what he's always done — backing his son, and making sure everyone hears about it.
