"Help is coming" - LaMelo Ball's father LaVar Ball sends cryptic message amid Hornets star's absence leads to loss against Knicks

With LaMelo Ball sidelined, the Charlotte Hornets suffered a stinging one-point loss. Ball was ruled out of Friday's contest against the New York Knicks, but the undermanned Hornets managed to put up a fight. Charlotte lost by only one point (99-98) to their star-studded opponent.

Despite LaMelo not suiting up, his father, LaVar Ball, was still in attendance. LaVar was live on the "Big Baller Brand" Instagram page during the waning moments of the game. While he was live, LaVar dropped a cryptic message for the Hornets fans who were tuned in.

His message, while cryptic, seemed to hint at big news for the Hornets.

"You know we need that guy," LaVar said. "Don't worry about it help is coming. Help is coming."

Following the loss to the Knicks, the Hornets have dropped four in a row and are now 6-13.

LaMelo Ball sat out the game due to a left calf injury. Prior to missing the game, he had been having a string of huge individual games. He has scored more than 30 in each of the last four contests, including a career-high performance against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday where he dropped 50 points.

Ball has averaged 31.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 5.4 rebounds in 18 games this season.

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NBA fans speculate on what LaVar Ball could mean with his cryptic message amid LaMelo Ball's absence

LaVar Ball's message came at an interesting time. Before he told the people watching his Instagram live that "help is coming," Jake Fischer reported that the Chicago Bulls are exploring trade options for LaMelo Ball's brother, Lonzo Ball.

The timing of this report about Lonzo and LaVar's message has caused speculation that the elder Ball brother is coming to Charlotte.

"Damn. AND it was just revealed that Chicago might be looking to trade Zo, is it really about to happen?!" one fan wondered.

"Lonzo to Charlotte confirmed," one fan said.

"Lonzo on the last year of his deal," a person pointed out.

Meanwhile, some fans speculated that either LaMelo Ball is coming back, or LiAngelo Ball is somehow involved.

"Probably means Melo coming back," one person tweeted.

"Gelo!!!!!" another fan said.

"Imagine if it was LiAngelo," one person commented.

Aside from LaMelo Ball, the Hornets are also missing several other players.

NBA insider Shams Charania reported on Monday that forward Grant Williams is out of the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL.

Additionally, Tre Mann, Mark Williams, DaQuan Jeffries, Nick Richards and Miles Bridges were also unavailable against the New York Knicks due to various reasons.

In their absence, second-year guard Brandon Miller carried the load on offense. He scored a team-high 20 points on a 7-for-25 shooting clip, including going 2-for-11 from the 3-point line.