LaMelo Ball missed out on All-NBA honors. Here’s how he can get there next year

Here's the roadmap for LaMelo Ball to make an All-NBA team.

LaMelo Ball took a major step forward in the 2025-26 season, but there is still more to do to earn recognition among the NBA’s elite.

The Hornets’ star guard appeared in 70-plus games for the first time since the 2021-22 season and averaged a solid 20 points, five rebounds and seven assists on the year. He led the Hornets to their first play-in appearance since that 2022 season and earned the team its first postseason win in a decade, nailing the game-winning layup against the Heat.

These achievements led to some speculation that Ball could be in contention for a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. However, when the teams were announced this past weekend, Ball’s name was left off after receiving just five votes.

Charlotte has had six players selected to an All-NBA team while with the franchise, but only two have come during the team’s second iteration. The last was Kemba Walker in 2019.

Walker was a bit of a late bloomer in the league. He achieved his first All-Star appearance in year six and didn’t earn his All-NBA selection until year eight.

Ball was the opposite. He came into the league and quickly established himself as a top point guard. Despite this, he is heading into year seven with just one All-Star appearance under his belt.

Injuries and subpar teams have held Ball back, but like Walker, he has the skills to make another leap deep into his career. Here’s how he can do it and earn his first All-NBA nod.