Charlotte Hornets Grab First NBA Summer League Championship

The Charlotte Hornets won their first NBA Summer League title in Las Vegas. At the same time, guard LaMelo Ball stirred up chatter with an odd new tattoo choice. A…

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 05: LaMelo Ball #1 and Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets react during the first half of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Spectrum Center on March 05, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

The Charlotte Hornets won their first NBA Summer League title in Las Vegas. At the same time, guard LaMelo Ball stirred up chatter with an odd new tattoo choice.

A California artist shared shots of Ball's fresh ink: a "Hot Chee Toes" design that set social media on fire. The timing matched perfectly with the team's big win.

This win means a lot for the Hornets. Summer League games let teams spot rising stars, with young athletes battling it out to catch scouts' eyes. Short passes, quick cuts, and raw talent fill these matchups.

For Charlotte, struggling to find its footing, this trophy brings fresh hope. The team's leaders want this summer success to spark better play when real games start.

While the team made history on the court, Ball's unusual tattoo stole some spotlight. His snack-themed body art got just as much buzz as the championship run.

"It's a prime example of how a simple piece of body art can overshadow significant achievements in the sports world," said Nick Djuric of Motorcycle Sports.

These games showed which players might stick around. Young athletes fought hard, hoping to turn summer success into NBA contracts. Some shone bright, while others faded under pressure.

The win could signal better days ahead. After years of missed shots and tough breaks, Charlotte's future looks brighter. When fall comes, they'll try to turn this summer spark into lasting success.