The Charlotte Hornets just want to make their budding star and franchise centerpiece LaMelo Ball happy. They even signed his brother LiAngelo Ball on their summer league roster to do just that.

The Hornets did not make a qualifying offer for restricted free agent Malik Monk, hence making him an unrestricted one. Monk eventually signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for the veteran's minimum despite just being 23-years old. Competing and having a legitimate chance at the NBA title is what drew Monk to the Lakers.

Monk was the one donning the #1 jersey during his stint with the Hornets. After drafting Ball with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Ball immediately asked Monk for the jersey number but a swap was too late since you need to give a heads up to the NBA ahead of time if you ever consider changing your number.

LaMelo Ball could not help but campaign in social media that he intends to change his jersey number to 1.

 

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Long time followers of LaMelo Ball know how much he loves the #1 jersey. During his earlier days in Chino Hills, Spire, Lithuania, and most recently the Illwara Hawks, Ball has been donning that number.

Ball finished last season strong as he won the Rookie of the Year honors. The Hornets' young star averaged 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in his first NBA season.

Jokes are everywhere that this may be the reason as to why the Hornets did not make a qualifying offer to Monk.