LaMelo Ball (Image Credit: X/@hornets)

As the Charlotte Hornets find their footing this NBA season, sitting at a 2-2 record, they’ve infused some humor into their practice routine, especially on Halloween. The team has been experimenting with pranks in past years, but this time, they truly outdid themselves with a prank that left star point guard LaMelo Ball both startled and entertained.

Ball has been a key player for the Hornets, averaging 28.5 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. He was in a great mood after a recent win against the Raptors. As he walked into the team facility singing, “I’m way up, I feel blessed!” he didn’t know a clown was waiting just around the corner.

When Ball approached the entrance, the clown suddenly appeared, causing him to let out a huge scream. He instinctively slapped the clown’s head, which turned out to be just a dummy. The moment quickly became a hit on social media, with fans enjoying his hilarious reaction.

The Charlotte Hornets’ Prank Legacy Amid LaMelo Ball’s Injury Concerns

This prank wasn’t the Hornets’ first attempt to scare their star player. Last Halloween, they tried using a hologram, which didn’t work, and the year before that, they used a Freddy Krueger figurine. However, this year’s prank was clearly the best executed. The staff’s laughter in the background made it even funnier as Ball laid down on the stairs, trying to calm down, and exclaimed, “Feel my heart.“

Given LaMelo Ball’s past injuries, including only playing 22 games last season due to ankle and lower body issues, some fans were concerned about whether it was wise to scare their most valuable player. They questioned if such pranks were worth the risk, but most seemed to enjoy the fun of the moment.

Under new head coach Charles Lee, the team is showing a lot of promise, especially with its strong offense, which ranks fourth in the league. The Hornets are becoming an exciting team to watch, and their mix of competitiveness and light-hearted fun is clearly appealing to fans.