NBA Investigating LaMelo Ball Over Bam Adebayo Incident

The league is reviewing a controversial play where Ball appeared to trip Adebayo, leading to the Heat star's injury.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:39am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the basketball court and players in a fragmented, multi-angled style, capturing the dynamic action and competitive energy of the incident between LaMelo Ball and Bam Adebayo.The NBA's investigation into a controversial play between LaMelo Ball and Bam Adebayo exposes the high-stakes intensity of the playoff push.Today in Miami

The NBA has officially opened an investigation into a controversial moment involving LaMelo Ball and Bam Adebayo during Tuesday night's play-in clash between the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat. The league is reviewing a second-quarter play where Ball appeared to trip Adebayo, a sequence that ultimately led to the Heat star exiting the game with a lower back injury.

Why it matters

The incident has sparked outrage, with Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra calling it a "stupid play" and a "dangerous play" that "doesn't belong in the game." The outcome of the NBA's investigation could have significant implications, potentially leading to disciplinary action against Ball.

The details

The play occurred after a loose ball under the basket, when Adebayo secured the rebound and attempted to stay in bounds. Ball, who had fallen to the floor, reached toward Adebayo's leg, sending him crashing down. No foul was called, and play continued. Officials later explained that the play wasn't whistled in real time, and the window to review it was closed by the time play was stopped.

  • The incident occurred during the second quarter of Tuesday night's play-in game between the Charlotte Hornets and Miami Heat.
  • Bam Adebayo exited the game with a lower back injury following the play.

The players

LaMelo Ball

The star point guard for the Charlotte Hornets who was involved in the controversial play with Bam Adebayo.

Bam Adebayo

The All-Star center for the Miami Heat who was injured in the incident with LaMelo Ball.

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat, who strongly criticized the play by LaMelo Ball.

Zach Zarba

The crew chief who explained why the play was not reviewed in real time.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't see it [when it happened], but I don't think it's cute. I don't think it's funny. I think it's a stupid play. It's a dangerous play. Obviously, our best player was out. I'm not making an excuse. The Hornets played great and they made those plays down the stretch. We had our opportunities to win. That's a shame. You should be penalized for that. I don't think that belongs in the game. Tripping guys, shenanigans.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat

“I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head [on the play] and didn't really know where I was. But I'm going to check on him, see if he's OK and everything.”

— LaMelo Ball

What’s next

The NBA is currently investigating the incident and reviewing the play. The outcome of the investigation could potentially lead to disciplinary action against LaMelo Ball.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tension and competitiveness in the NBA playoffs, as well as the league's commitment to player safety. The NBA's investigation and any potential disciplinary action will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how the league handles similar situations in the future.