"I'll take him over Shai or Luka": NBA fans erupt as LaMelo Ball inches closer to Wilt Chamberlain's 60-year-old mark

LaMelo Ball has been the lone bright spot for a struggling Charlotte Hornets squad this season. Charlotte's lack of success hasn't hindered Ball's individual performances, though.

The fifth-year guard has posted MVP-caliber numbers through nearly half the season and is closing in on a 60-year-old mark in the record books.

Through 36 games, Ball is averaging (.727) shots per minute, the most by any player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1964-65.

Fans reacted to this historic mark with comments on X.

"He hitting most of them too," one fan commented, crediting Ball's efficiency.

"He is the best guard in the NBA right now," another fan boldly declared.

"Wish more players played like this," a third fan added. "He's so entertaining."

Fans continued their support of the polarizing guard in the comments.

"Since Wilt Chamberlain is crazy," a fan posted, pointing out the historical significance of Ball's record.

"F**k it, I'll take him over (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) and (Luka Doncic)," a second fan added boldly.

"Ultimate green light," a third fan commented.

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LaMelo Ball leading Eastern Conference guards in All-Star votes

LaMelo Ball is garnering immense popularity, thanks to his elevated play. This season, fans are rewarding Ball for his play, as he leads all Eastern Conference backcourt players in All-Star votes with the All-Star Weekend rapidly approaching.

The second return of All-Star fan ballots showed LaMelo Ball with 1.4 million votes, three million ahead of Donovan Mitchell, who trailed the Hornets All-Star. Ball is set to make his second NBA All-Star appearance, ending a two-year drought after missing extended time in the last two seasons.

Ball has appeared in 24 games this season, averaging 29.9 points, 7.3 assists and 5.4 rebounds, shooting 42.3% from the field and 34% from 3-point range. His 24.5 shot attempts per game and 13.0 3-point attempts per game lead all NBA players.

If Charlotte was in a better place from a standings perspective, Ball would likely have been discussed as a candidate to win the NBA Most Valuable Player award this season. While he may not take home such hardware, he's certainly in the midst of a memorable season.

He's coming off a dazzling 25-point, 11-assist double-double performance in Charlotte's 120-113 loss versus the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, adding six rebounds and three steals in another impressive individual showing.