LaMelo Ball and Moussa Diabate didn’t even have to say anything for NBA fans to start talking.
After a 119–115 win, Ball was seen on the court joking around with Diabate during the postgame celebration. It looked light. It looked playful. Nothing serious. But that didn’t stop fans from reading into it.
Once the clip started circulating, reactions came fast. And not all of them were about basketball.
Some fans focused more on Ball’s mannerisms than the win itself, with a few comments drifting into speculation territory.
@MustardFreen said, “Someone said it looks like a commercial for HIV medicine.”
Someone said it looks like a commercial for HIV medicine
— mustard (@MustardFren) January 26, 2026
@diaryofamadmane added, “They coulda enjoyed the moment like men. This wasn’t that.”
While @whitleysdaughtr joked, “I was just talking about how the community views even women being silly and carefree as a negative, but this did give “Stawwwp” vibes although I’m sure they’re just straight being silly.”
Whatever fans thought of the moment, Ball didn’t seem bothered. He finished the night with 20 points and 11 assists, and the Hornets walked away with the win. That part still counted.
“No coach would do what Lee is doing to Melo”: NBA fans lash out at Charlotte Hornets as LaMelo Ball gets rotated
The reactions didn’t stop there.
LaMelo Ball has long been viewed as the Hornets’ franchise player, but head coach Charles Lee has been experimenting with different rotations. At times, that’s meant Ball running with the backup unit instead of starting stretches.
Not everyone is on board with that approach.
Former NBA player Chandler Parsons spoke out about it, questioning the logic behind the decision.
“The idea of LaMelo Ball coming off the bench makes no sense,” said Parsons.
Fans were quick to echo that sentiment.
@d_jr94 said, “No coach would do what Lee is doing to Melo. Because it just doesn’t make sense. No point in having him for the fourth quarter when the 1st quarter the game is already over.”
@Dfs4Everyone added, “You literally destroying his value. The GM and owner over there have to be morons.”
And @MidYoure capped it off by saying, “Literally have nobody close to his level on the team in terms of play making.”
Between the postgame jokes and the rotation debate, Ball once again found himself at the center of conversation — some of it about basketball, some of it not, and none of it quiet.
