LaMelo Ball makes his Hornets season debut, Metta World Peace wants to bring an NBA team to Las Vegas, and should the Lakers trade away their superstars before it's too late?

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LAMELO BALL

LaMelo Ball Makes his Hornets Season Debut

After missing 13 games to open the regular season, LaMelo Ball finally made his season debut Saturday night against the Miami Heat. Ball was sidelined for the Hornets due to a sprained left ankle that happened in the preseason.

Ball finished the game with 15 points, six rebounds, and six assists in 28 minutes played. After a rough night from the field, Ball insisted that rust is not a problem. “I feel straight. We’re going to be straight,” Ball said. “More games, it’ll get easier. I think I’m in a good spot.”

Last season Ball became an All-Star in just his second season, averaging 20.1 points and 7.6 assists. The year before Ball won rookie of the year and has continued to improve throughout his time in Charlotte. However, the Hornets are currently on an eight-game losing streak so getting Ball back is a small step forward for them. With Dennis Smith Jr, Gordon Hayward, and Cody Martin currently sidelined, they need all the help they can get if they want to turn things around this season.

NBA EXPANSION

Metta World Peace Wants to Bring an NBA Team to Las Vegas

The NBA expansion talk has been going on for quite some time now. Fans seem to be set on Seattle getting the first expansion team, however Las Vegas has been mentioned many times in these talks. With the Raiders recently moving to Las Vegas as well as the Vegas Golden Knights in hockey, it makes a lot of sense for an NBA team to join this path.

Recently, NBA legend LeBron James has spoken about his desire for Las Vegas to have a team. He also hinted at dipping his toe into NBA ownership and owning part of that potential Las Vegas franchise. However, he is not the only player that wants to be a part of this ownership group. Former Los Angeles Laker, Metta World Peace has also expressed his interest in the Las Vegas franchise.

“I’m very interested in talking with different groups to see if they would allow us the opportunity to get involved,” World Peace told The Sporting Tribune. “I think you have to somehow involve the Maloofs. I think the Maloofs set the tone for Las Vegas.”

The “Maloofs” that Meta is referring to are Joe and Gavin Maloof, the former owners of the Sacramento Kings. World Peace has a good relationship with the Maloofs since he was on the Kings while they were the owners. Before an expansion team comes, Adam Silver has expressed that the league’s new CBA deal must get done beforehand. However, once that deal is done, don’t be surprised to see Metta World Peace heavily involved in the talks to bring a franchise to Las Vegas.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Should the Lakers Trade Away Their Superstars Before it's too Late?

Father time seems to be closing in on the Los Angeles Lakers. After another five game skid the Los Angeles Lakers have fallen all the way down the Western Conference rankings to 2-10. With that being said, is it time the Lakers move on from superstars Lebron James and Anthony Davis?

An NBA executive recently told Ric Bucher of Fox Sports that “they need to think about moving LeBron and Anthony Davis” because “they have too many holes to fill.” However, Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report reported that the Lakers have not had any talks with teams to move Davis. Furthermore, LeBron just signed a two-year extension so he can not be traded until after this season. Unless of course LeBron requests a trade but chances are extremely unlikely. LeBron has made it clear that he wants to compete for a title this year but with multiple business ventures in Los Angeles, I don’t think the James family plans on moving any time soon.

As LeBron comes up on his 38th birthday he is still averaging 24.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game. He is slightly slowing down production wise while only shooting 45.7% from the field and getting to the free throw line only 4.8 times per game (career low). Anthony Davis on the other hand is averaging 23.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. Injuries have also haunted Davis in the past which has hurt his production. While still averaging all-star numbers, Davis can not single handedly carry this team. Who knows what the Lakers will end up doing, but whatever moves they decide on they will need to do them quickly before the season is completely lost.

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THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

November 14, 1943: Chicago Bears QB Sid Luckman becomes the 1st QB in NFL history to throw for seven touchdowns in a single game. Also became the 1st QB to throw for 400 yards in a single game.

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