CHARLOTTE — The NBA fined LaMelo Ball $60,000 Wednesday for grabbing Bam Adebayo's leg during Tuesday's Play-In Tournament game, a penalty the league is characterizing as "dangerous contact" and sources close to the Ball family are characterizing as "a failed scouting mission."

LaVar Ball, who lost his right leg to diabetes-related complications in 2025, has reportedly been dissatisfied with prosthetic options, describing current technology as "not Big Baller enough." Family associates say LaVar has been watching film on Adebayo for months, citing his lateral quickness and what LaVar called "good chassis structure."

LaVar rated LaMelo's execution a six out of ten. He said LiAngelo would have had the leg out of the building before halftime. LiAngelo did not comment.

The leg remains with Adebayo. For now.