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Lavar Ball says the Charlotte Hornets need to quit messing around and name his son Melo as the starting point guard … telling TMZ Sports it’s time to let the kid shine.
LaMelo was the 3rd overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft — and has already flashed his immense potential during the pre-season.
But, when the season kicked off this week, Melo was #2 on the depth chart behind 25-year-old Devonte’ Graham … a 2nd round 2018 NBA Draft pick who was a star during his college days at Kansas.
We saw LaVar at a Big Baller Brand holiday charity event in L.A. on Wednesday before Melo’s first NBA game as a pro and asked him about Charlotte’s starting 5.
LaVar says bluntly that Melo deserves a starting role right now — explaining, “If [Melo is] your marquee guy, what marquee guy don’t start?”
Melo had a rough first game — missing all 5 of his shots in 16 minutes on the floor … but it’s obvious he can play. Even Shaq vouched for him this week.
There’s more with LaVar … he also told us about the plan for his son LiAngelo (who was recently released by the Detroit Pistons) and why he’s still holding out hope all 3 of his boys will eventually play on the same team.
As for Lonzo, LaVar is excited about the situation in New Orleans — especially with Zo playing for head coach Stan Van Gundy … telling us it’s a good fit for Zo’s skill set.
Oh, and we also asked LaVar how he would handle the James Harden drama if he was running the show in Houston … and it’s interesting.
The bottom line … LaVar says if Harden wants to leave, the Rockets shouldn’t stand in his way — as long as he doesn’t go to Charlotte or New Orleans!!!
Happy holidays everyone!!